Antisense modulation of apolipoprotein (A) expression

ABSTRACT

Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of apolipoprotein(a). The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding apolipoprotein(a). Methods of using these compounds for modulation of apolipoprotein(a) expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of apolipoprotein(a) are provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating the expression of apolipoprotein (a). In particular, this invention relates to compounds, particularly oligonucleotides, specifically hybridizable with nucleic acids encoding apolipoprotein(a). Such compounds have been shown to modulate the expression of apolipoprotein(a).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Lipoproteins are globular, micelle-like particles that consist of a non-polar core of acylglycerols and cholesteryl esters, surrounded by an amphiphilic coating consisting of protein, phospholipid and cholesterol. Lipoproteins have been classified into five broad categories on the basis of their functional and physical properties: chylomicrons (which transport dietary lipids from intestine to tissues), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), (all of which transport triacylglycerols and cholesterol from the liver to tissues), and high density lipoproteins (HDL) (which transport endogenous cholesterol from tissues to the liver).

[0003] Lipoprotein particles undergo continuous metabolic processing and have variable properties and compositions. Lipoprotein densities increase without decreasing particle diameter because the density of their outer coatings is less than that of the inner core. The protein components of lipoproteins are known as apolipoproteins. At least nine apolipoproteins are distributed in significant amounts among the various human lipoproteins.

[0004] Lipoprotein(a) (also known as Lp(a)) is a cholesterol rich particle of the pro-atherogenic LDL class. Because Lp(a) is found only in Old World primates and European hedgehogs, it has been suggested that it does not play an essential role in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Most studies have shown that high concentrations of Lp(a) are strongly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Rainwater and Kammerer, J. Exp. Zool., 1998, 282, 54-61). These observations have stimulated numerous studies in humans and other primates to investigate the factors that control Lp(a) concentrations and physiological properties (Rainwater and Kammerer, J. Exp. Zool., 1998, 282, 54-61).

[0005] Lp(a) contains two disulfide-linked distinct proteins, apolipoprotein(a) (or ApoA) and apolipoprotein B (or ApoB) (Rainwater and Kammerer, J. Exp. Zool., 1998, 282, 54-61). Apolipoprotein(a) is a unique apolipoprotein encoded by the LPA gene which has been shown to exclusively control the physiological concentrations of Lp(a) (Rainwater and Kammerer, J. Exp. Zool., 1998, 282, 54-61). It varies in size due to interallelic differences in the number of tandemly repeated Kringle 4-encoding 5.5 kb sequences in the LPA gene (Rainwater and Kammerer, J. Exp. Zool., 1998, 282, 54-61).

[0006] Cloning of human apolipoprotein(a) in 1987 revealed homology to human plasminogen (McLean et al., Nature, 1987, 330, 132-137). The gene locus LPA encoding apolipoprotein(a) was localized to chromosome 6q26-27, in close proximity to the homologous gene for plasminogen (Frank et al., Hum. Genet., 1988, 79, 352-356).

[0007] Transgenic mice expressing human apolipoprotein(a) were found to be more susceptible than control mice to the development of lipid-staining lesions in the aorta and, consequently, apolipoprotein(a) is co-localized with lipid deposition in the artery walls (Lawn et al., Nature, 1992, 360, 670-672). As an extension of these studies, it was established that the major in vivo action of apolipoprotein(a) is inhibition of the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin which causes decreased activation of latent transforming growth factor-beta. Because transforming growth factor-beta is a negative regulator of smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, inhibition of plasminogen activation indicates a possible mechanism for apolipoprotein(a) induction of atherosclerotic lesions (Grainger et al., Nature, 1994, 370, 460-462).

[0008] Elevated plasma levels of Lp(a), caused by increased expression of apolipoprotein(a), are associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis and its manifestations, which include hypercholesterolemia (Seed et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 1990, 322, 1494-1499), myocardial infarction (Sandkamp et al., Clin. Chem., 1990, 36, 20-23), and thrombosis (Nowak-Gottl et al., Pediatrics, 1997, 99, E11).

[0009] Moreover, the plasma concentration of Lp(a) is strongly influenced by heritable factors and is refractory to most drug and dietary manipulation (Katan and Beynen, Am. J. Epidemiol., 1987, 125, 387-399; Vessby et al., Atherosclerosis, 1982, 44, 61-71). Pharmacologic therapy of elevated Lp (a) levels has been only modestly successful and apheresis remains the most effective therapeutic modality (Hajjar and Nachman, Annu. Rev. Med., 1996, 47, 423-442).

[0010] Morishita et al. have reported the use of ribozyme oligonucleotides against apolipoprotein(a) for inhibition of apolipoprotein(a) expression in HepG2 cells (Morishita et al., Circulation, 1998, 98, 1898-1904).

[0011] Disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,721,138 are nucleotide sequences encoding the human apolipoprotein(a) gene 5′-regulatory region and isolated nucleotide sequences comprising at least thirty consecutive complementary nucleotides from human apolipoprotein(a) from nucleotide position -208 to -1448 (Lawn, 1998).

[0012] To date, investigative and therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting apolipoprotein(a) function have involved the previously cited use of Lp(a) apheresis and ribozyme oligonucleotides. Consequently, there remains a long-felt need for additional agents capable of effectively inhibiting apolipoprotein(a) function.

[0013] Antisense technology is emerging as an effective means of reducing the expression of specific gene products and may therefore prove to be uniquely useful in a number of therapeutic, diagnostic and research applications involving modulation of apolipoprotein(a)expression.

[0014] The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating apolipoprotein(a)expression.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention is directed to compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, which are targeted to a nucleic acid encoding apolipoprotein(a), and which modulate the expression of apolipoprotein(a). Pharmaceutical and other compositions comprising the compounds of the invention are also provided. Further provided are methods of modulating the expression of apolipoprotein(a) in cells or tissues comprising contacting said cells or tissues with one or more of the antisense compounds or compositions of the invention. Further provided are methods of treating an animal, particularly a human, suspected of having or being prone to a disease or condition associated with expression of apolipoprotein(a), by administering a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of one or more of the antisense compounds or compositions of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention employs oligomeric compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, for use in modulating the function of nucleic acid molecules encoding apolipoprotein(a), ultimately modulating the amount of apolipoprotein(a) produced. This is accomplished by providing antisense compounds which specifically hybridize with one or more nucleic acids encoding apolipoprotein (a). As used herein, the terms “target nucleic acid” and “nucleic acid encoding apolipoprotein(a)” encompass DNA encoding apolipoprotein(a), RNA (including pre-mRNA and mRNA) transcribed from such DNA, and also cDNA derived from such RNA. The specific hybridization of an oligomeric compound with its target nucleic acid interferes with the normal function of the nucleic acid. This modulation of function of a target nucleic acid by compounds which specifically hybridize to it is generally referred to as “antisense”. The functions of DNA to be interfered with include replication and transcription. The functions of RNA to be interfered with include all vital functions such as, for example, translocation of the RNA to the site of protein translation, translation of protein from the RNA, splicing of the RNA to yield one or more mRNA species, and catalytic activity which may be engaged in or facilitated by the RNA. The overall effect of such interference with target nucleic acid function is modulation of the expression of apolipoprotein(a). In the context of the present invention, “modulation” means either an increase (stimulation) or a decrease (inhibition) in the expression of a gene. In the context of the present invention, inhibition is the preferred form of modulation of gene expression and mRNA is a preferred target.

[0017] It is preferred to target specific nucleic acids for antisense. “Targeting” an antisense compound to a particular nucleic acid, in the context of this invention, is a multistep process. The process usually begins with the identification of a nucleic acid sequence whose function is to be modulated. This may be, for example, a cellular gene (or mRNA transcribed from the gene) whose expression is associated with a particular disorder or disease state, or a nucleic acid molecule from an infectious agent. In the present invention, the target is a nucleic acid molecule encoding apolipoprotein(a). The targeting process also includes determination of a site or sites within this gene for the antisense interaction to occur such that the desired effect, e.g., detection or modulation of expression of the protein, will result. Within the context of the present invention, a preferred intragenic site is the region encompassing the translation initiation or termination codon of the open reading frame (ORF) of the gene. Since, as is known in the art, the translation initiation codon is typically 5′-AUG (in transcribed mRNA molecules; 5′-ATG in the corresponding DNA molecule), the translation initiation codon is also referred to as the “AUG codon,” the “start codon” or the “AUG start codon”. A minority of genes have a translation initiation codon having the RNA sequence 5′-GUG, 5′-UUG or 5′-CUG, and 5′-AUA, 5′-ACG and 5′-CUG have been shown to function in vivo. Thus, the terms “translation initiation codon” and “start codon” can encompass many codon sequences, even though the initiator amino acid in each instance is typically methionine (in eukaryotes) or formylmethionine (in prokaryotes). It is also known in the art that eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes may have two or more alternative start codons, any one of which may be preferentially utilized for translation initiation in a particular cell type or tissue, or under a particular set of conditions. In the context of the invention, “start codon” and “translation initiation codon” refer to the codon or codons that are used in vivo to initiate translation of an mRNA molecule transcribed from a gene encoding apolipoprotein(a), regardless of the sequence(s) of such codons.

[0018] It is also known in the art that a translation termination codon (or “stop codon”) of a gene may have one of three sequences, i.e., 5′-UAA, 5′-UAG and 5′-UGA (the corresponding DNA sequences are 5′-TAA, 5′-TAG and 5′-TGA, respectively). The terms “start codon region” and “translation initiation codon region” refer to a portion of such an mRNA or gene that encompasses from about 25 to about 50 contiguous nucleotides in either direction (i.e., 5′ or 3′) from a translation initiation codon. Similarly, the terms “stop codon region” and “translation termination codon region” refer to a portion of such an mRNA or gene that encompasses from about 25 to about 50 contiguous nucleotides in either direction (i.e., 5′ or 3′) from a translation termination codon.

[0019] The open reading frame (ORF) or “coding region,” which is known in the art to refer to the region between the translation initiation codon and the translation termination codon, is also a region which may be targeted effectively. Other target regions include the 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR), known in the art to refer to the portion of an mRNA in the 5′ direction from the translation initiation codon, and thus including nucleotides between the 5′ cap site and the translation initiation codon of an mRNA or corresponding nucleotides on the gene, and the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR), known in the art to refer to the portion of an mRNA in the 3′ direction from the translation termination codon, and thus including nucleotides between the translation termination codon and 3′ end of an mRNA or corresponding nucleotides on the gene. The 5′ cap of an mRNA comprises an N7-methylated guanosine residue joined to the 5′-most residue of the mRNA via a 5′-5′ triphosphate linkage. The 5′ cap region of an mRNA is considered to include the 5′ cap structure itself as well as the first 50 nucleotides adjacent to the cap. The 5′ cap region may also be a preferred target region.

[0020] Although some eukaryotic mRNA transcripts are directly translated, many contain one or more regions, known as “introns,” which are excised from a transcript before it is translated. The remaining (and therefore translated) regions are known as “exons” and are spliced together to form a continuous mRNA sequence. mRNA splice sites, i.e., intron-exon junctions, may also be preferred target regions, and are particularly useful in situations where aberrant splicing is implicated in disease, or where an overproduction of a particular mRNA splice product is implicated in disease. Aberrant fusion junctions due to rearrangements or deletions are also preferred targets. It has also been found that introns can also be effective, and therefore preferred, target regions for antisense compounds targeted, for example, to DNA or pre-mRNA.

[0021] Once one or more target sites have been identified, oligonucleotides are chosen which are sufficiently complementary to the target, i.e., hybridize sufficiently well and with sufficient specificity, to give the desired effect.

[0022] In the context of this invention, “hybridization” means hydrogen bonding, which may be Watson-Crick, Hoogsteen or reversed Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding, between complementary nucleoside or nucleotide bases. For example, adenine and thymine are complementary nucleobases which pair through the formation of hydrogen bonds. “Complementary,” as used herein, refers to the capacity for precise pairing between two nucleotides. For example, if a nucleotide at a certain position of an oligonucleotide is capable of hydrogen bonding with a nucleotide at the same position of a DNA or RNA molecule, then the oligonucleotide and the DNA or RNA are considered to be complementary to each other at that position. The oligonucleotide and the DNA or RNA are complementary to each other when a sufficient number of corresponding positions in each molecule are occupied by nucleotides which can hydrogen bond with each other. Thus, “specifically hybridizable” and “complementary” are terms which are used to indicate a sufficient degree of complementarity or precise pairing such that stable and specific binding occurs between the oligonucleotide and the DNA or RNA target. It is understood in the art that the sequence of an antisense compound need not be 100% complementary to that of its target nucleic acid to be specifically hybridizable. An antisense compound is specifically hybridizable when binding of the compound to the target DNA or RNA molecule interferes with the normal function of the target DNA or RNA to cause a loss of utility, and there is a sufficient degree of complementarity to avoid non-specific binding of the antisense compound to non-target sequences under conditions in which specific binding is desired, i.e., under physiological conditions in the case of in vivo assays or therapeutic treatment, and in the case of in vitro assays, under conditions in which the assays are performed.

[0023] Antisense and other compounds of the invention which hybridize to the target and inhibit expression of the target are identified through experimentation, and the sequences of these compounds are hereinbelow identified as preferred embodiments of the invention. The target sites to which these preferred sequences are complementary are hereinbelow referred to as “active sites” and are therefore preferred sites for targeting. Therefore another embodiment of the invention encompasses compounds which hybridize to these active sites.

[0024] Antisense compounds are commonly used as research reagents and diagnostics. For example, antisense oligonucleotides, which are able to inhibit gene expression with exquisite specificity, are often used by those of ordinary skill to elucidate the function of particular genes. Antisense compounds are also used, for example, to distinguish between functions of various members of a biological pathway. Antisense modulation has, therefore, been harnessed for research use.

[0025] For use in kits and diagnostics, the antisense compounds of the present invention, either alone or in combination with other antisense compounds or therapeutics, can be used as tools in differential and/or combinatorial analyses to elucidate expression patterns of a portion or the entire complement of genes expressed within cells and tissues.

[0026] Expression patterns within cells or tissues treated with one or more antisense compounds are compared to control cells or tissues not treated with antisense compounds and the patterns produced are analyzed for differential levels of gene expression as they pertain, for example, to disease association, signaling pathway, cellular localization, expression level, size, structure or function of the genes examined. These analyses can be performed on stimulated or unstimulated cells and in the presence or absence of other compounds which affect expression patterns.

[0027] Examples of methods of gene expression analysis known in the art include DNA arrays or microarrays (Brazma and Vilo, FEBS Lett., 2000, 480, 17-24; Celis, et al., FEBS Lett., 2000, 480, 2-16), SAGE (serial analysis of gene expression)(Madden, et al., Drug Discov. Today, 2000, 5, 415-425), READS (restriction enzyme amplification of digested cDNAs) (Prashar and Weissman, Methods Enzymol., 1999, 303, 258-72), TOGA (total gene expression analysis) (Sutcliffe, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2000, 97, 1976-81), protein arrays and proteomics (Celis, et al., FEBS Lett., 2000, 480, 2-16; Jungblut, et al., Electrophoresis, 1999, 20, 2100-10), expressed sequence tag (EST) sequencing (Celis, et al., FEBS Lett., 2000, 480, 2-16; Larsson, et al., J. Biotechnol., 2000, 80, 143-57), subtractive RNA fingerprinting (SuRF) (Fuchs, et al., Anal. Biochem., 2000, 286, 91-98; Larson, et al., Cytometry, 2000, 41, 203-208), subtractive cloning, differential display (DD) (Jurecic and Belmont, Curr. Opin. Microbiol., 2000, 3, 316-21), comparative genomic hybridization (Carulli, et al., J. Cell Biochem. Suppl., 1998, 31, 286-96), FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) techniques (Going and Gusterson, Eur. J. Cancer, 1999, 35, 1895-904) and mass spectrometry methods (reviewed in (To, Comb. Chem. High Throughput Screen, 2000, 3, 235-41).

[0028] The specificity and sensitivity of antisense is also harnessed by those of skill in the art for therapeutic uses. Antisense oligonucleotides have been employed as therapeutic moieties in the treatment of disease states in animals and man. Antisense oligonucleotide drugs, including ribozymes, have been safely and effectively administered to humans and numerous clinical trials are presently underway. It is thus established that oligonucleotides can be useful therapeutic modalities that can be configured to be useful in treatment regimes for treatment of cells, tissues and animals, especially humans.

[0029] In the context of this invention, the term “oligonucleotide” refers to an oligomer or polymer of ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or mimetics thereof. This term includes oligonucleotides composed of naturally-occurring nucleobases, sugars and covalent internucleoside (backbone) linkages as well as oligonucleotides having non-naturally-occurring portions which function similarly. Such modified or substituted oligonucleotides are often preferred over native forms because of desirable properties such as, for example, enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced affinity for nucleic acid target and increased stability in the presence of nucleases.

[0030] While antisense oligonucleotides are a preferred form of antisense compound, the present invention comprehends other oligomeric antisense compounds, including but not limited to oligonucleotide mimetics such as are described below. The antisense compounds in accordance with this invention preferably comprise from about 8 to about 50 nucleobases (i.e. from about 8 to about 50 linked nucleosides). Particularly preferred antisense compounds are antisense oligonucleotides, even more preferably those comprising from about 12 to about 30 nucleobases. Antisense compounds include ribozymes, external guide sequence (EGS) oligonucleotides (oligozymes), and other short catalytic RNAs or catalytic oligonucleotides which hybridize to the target nucleic acid and modulate its expression.

[0031] As is known in the art, a nucleoside is a base-sugar combination. The base portion of the nucleoside is normally a heterocyclic base. The two most common classes of such heterocyclic bases are the purines and the pyrimidines. Nucleotides are nucleosides that further include a phosphate group covalently linked to the sugar portion of the nucleoside. For those nucleosides that include a pentofuranosyl sugar, the phosphate group can be linked to either the 2′, 3′ or 5′ hydroxyl moiety of the sugar. In forming oligonucleotides, the phosphate groups covalently link adjacent nucleosides to one another to form a linear polymeric compound. In turn the respective ends of this linear polymeric structure can be further joined to form a circular structure, however, open linear structures are generally preferred. Within the oligonucleotide structure, the phosphate groups are commonly referred to as forming the internucleoside backbone of the oligonucleotide. The normal linkage or backbone of RNA and DNA is a 3′ to 5′ phosphodiester linkage.

[0032] Specific examples of preferred antisense compounds useful in this invention include oligonucleotides containing modified backbones or non-natural internucleoside linkages. As defined in this specification, oligonucleotides having modified backbones include those that retain a phosphorus atom in the backbone and those that do not have a phosphorus atom in the backbone. For the purposes of this specification, and as sometimes referenced in the art, modified oligonucleotides that do not have a phosphorus atom in their internucleoside backbone can also be considered to be oligonucleosides.

[0033] Preferred modified oligonucleotide backbones include, for example, phosphorothioates, chiral phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, phosphotriesters, aminoalkylphosphotriesters, methyl and other alkyl phosphonates including 3′-alkylene phosphonates, 5′-alkylene phosphonates and chiral phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphoramidates including 3′-amino phosphoramidate and aminoalkylphosphoramidates, thionophosphoramidates, thionoalkylphosphonates, thionoalkylphosphotriesters, selenophosphates and boranophosphates having normal 3′-5′ linkages, 2′-5′ linked analogs of these, and those having inverted polarity wherein one or more internucleotide linkages is a 3′ to 3′, 5′ to 5′ or 2′ to 2′ linkage. Preferred oligonucleotides having inverted polarity comprise a single 3′ to 3′ linkage at the 3′-most internucleotide linkage i.e. a single inverted nucleoside residue which may be abasic (the nucleobase is missing or has a hydroxyl group in place thereof). Various salts, mixed salts and free acid forms are also included.

[0034] Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of the above phosphorus-containing linkages include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,687,808; 4,469,863; 4,476,301; 5,023,243; 5,177,196; 5,188,897; 5,264,423; 5,276,019; 5,278,302; 5,286,717; 5,321,131; 5,399,676; 5,405,939; 5,453,496; 5,455,233; 5,466,677; 5,476,925; 5,519,126; 5,536,821; 5,541,306; 5,550,111; 5,563,253; 5,571,799; 5,587,361; 5,194,599; 5,565,555; 5,527,899; 5,721,218; 5,672,697 and 5,625,050, certain of which are commonly owned with this application, and each of which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0035] Preferred modified oligonucleotide backbones that do not include a phosphorus atom therein have backbones that are formed by short chain alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, mixed heteroatom and alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, or one or more short chain heteroatomic or heterocyclic internucleoside linkages. These include those having morpholino linkages (formed in part from the sugar portion of a nucleoside); siloxane backbones; sulfide, sulfoxide and sulfone backbones; formacetyl and thioformacetyl backbones; methylene formacetyl and thioformacetyl backbones; riboacetyl backbones; alkene containing backbones; sulfamate backbones; methyleneimino and methylenehydrazino backbones; sulfonate and sulfonamide backbones; amide backbones; and others having mixed N, O, S and CH₂ component parts.

[0036] Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of the above oligonucleosides include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,034,506; 5,166,315; 5,185,444; 5,214,134; 5,216,141; 5,235,033; 5,264,562; 5,264,564; 5,405,938; 5,434,257; 5,466,677; 5,470,967; 5,489,677; 5,541,307; 5,561,225; 5,596,086; 5,602,240; 5,610,289; 5,602,240; 5,608,046; 5,610,289; 5,618,704; 5,623,070; 5,663,312; 5,633,360; 5,677,437; 5,792,608; 5,646,269 and 5,677,439, certain of which are commonly owned with this application, and each of which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0037] In other preferred oligonucleotide mimetics, both the sugar and the internucleoside linkage, i.e., the backbone, of the nucleotide units are replaced with novel groups. The base units are maintained for hybridization with an appropriate nucleic acid target compound. One such oligomeric compound, an oligonucleotide mimetic that has been shown to have excellent hybridization properties, is referred to as a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). In PNA compounds, the sugar-backbone of an oligonucleotide is replaced with an amide containing backbone, in particular an aminoethylglycine backbone. The nucleobases are retained and are bound directly or indirectly to aza nitrogen atoms of the amide portion of the backbone. Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of PNA compounds include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,082; 5,714,331; and 5,719,262, each of which is herein incorporated by reference. Further teaching of PNA compounds can be found in Nielsen et al., Science, 1991, 254, 1497-1500.

[0038] Most preferred embodiments of the invention are oligonucleotides with phosphorothioate backbones and oligonucleosides with heteroatom backbones, and in particular —CH₂—NH—O—CH₂—, —CH—₂N(CH )—₃O—CH—₂ [known as a methylene (methylimino) or MMI backbone], —CH₂—O—N(CH₃) —CH₂—, —CH₂—N(CH₃)—N(CH₃)—CH₂— and —O—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂— [wherein the native phosphodiester backbone is represented as —O—P—O—CH₂—] of the above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,677, and the amide backbones of the above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,240. Also preferred are oligonucleotides having morpholino backbone structures of the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,506.

[0039] Modified oligonucleotides may also contain one or more substituted sugar moieties. Preferred oligonucleotides comprise one of the following at the 2′ position: OH; F; O-, S-, or N-alkyl; O-, S-, or N-alkenyl; O-, S- or N-alkynyl; or O-alkyl-O-alkyl, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl may be substituted or unsubstituted C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl or C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl and alkynyl. Particularly preferred are O[(CH₂)_(n)O]_(m)CH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)OCH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)NH₂, O(CH₂)_(n)CH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)ONH₂, and O(CH₂)_(n)ON [(CH₂)_(n)CH₃)]₂, where n and m are from 1 to about 10. Other preferred oligonucleotides comprise one of the following at the 2′ position: C₁ to C₁₀ lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl, SH, SCH₃, OCN, Cl, Br, CN, CF₃, OCF₃, SOCH₃, SO₂CH₃, ONO₂, NO₂, N₃, NH₂, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalkylamino, substituted silyl, an RNA cleaving group, a reporter group, an intercalator, a group for improving the pharmacokinetic properties of an oligonucleotide, or a group for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an oligonucleotide, and other substituents having similar properties. A preferred modification includes 2′-methoxyethoxy (2′-O—CH₂CH₂OCH₃, also known as 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) or 2′-MOE) (Martin et al., Helv. Chim. Acta, 1995, 78, 486-504) i.e., an alkoxyalkoxy group. A further preferred modification includes 2′-dimethylaminooxyethoxy, i.e., a O(CH₂)₂ON(CH₃)₂ group, also known as 2′-DMAOE, as described in examples hereinbelow, and 2′-dimethylaminoethoxyethoxy (also known in the art as 2′-β-dimethylaminoethoxyethyl or 2′-DMAEOE), i.e., 2′-O—CH₂—O—CH₂—N(CH₂)₂, also described in examples hereinbelow.

[0040] A further prefered modification includes Locked Nucleic Acids (LNAs) in which the 2′-hydroxyl group is linked to the 3′ or 4′ carbon atom of the sugar ring thereby forming a bicyclic sugar moiety. The linkage is preferably a methelyne (—CH₂—)_(n)group bridging the 2′ oxygen atom and the 4′ carbon atom wherein n is 1 or 2. LNAs and preparation thereof are described in WO 98/39352 and WO 99/14226.

[0041] Other preferred modifications include 2′-methoxy (2′-O—CH₃), 2′-aminopropoxy (2′-OCH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂), 2′-allyl (2′-CH₂—CH═CH₂), 2′-O-allyl (2′-O—CH₂—CH═CH₂) and 2′-fluoro (2′-F). The 2′-modification may be in the arabino (up) position or ribo (down) position. A preferred 2′-arabino modification is 2′-F. Similar modifications may also be made at other positions on the oligonucleotide, particularly the 3′ position of the sugar on the 3′ terminal nucleotide or in 2′-5′ linked oligonucleotides and the 5′ position of 5′ terminal nucleotide. Oligonucleotides may also have sugar mimetics such as cyclobutyl moieties in place of the pentofuranosyl sugar. Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of such modified sugar structures include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,981,957; 5,118,800; 5,319,080; 5,359,044; 5,393,878; 5,446,137; 5,466,786; 5,514,785; 5,519,134; 5,567,811; 5,576,427; 5,591,722; 5,597,909; 5,610,300; 5,627,053; 5,639,873; 5,646,265; 5,658,873; 5,670,633; 5,792,747; and 5,700,920, certain of which are commonly owned with the instant application, and each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0042] Oligonucleotides may also include nucleobase (often referred to in the art simply as “base”) modifications or substitutions. As used herein, “unmodified” or “natural” nucleobases include the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidine bases thymine (T), cytosine (C) and uracil (U). Modified nucleobases include other synthetic and natural nucleobases such as 5-methylcytosine (5-me-C), 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, 2-aminoadenine, 6-methyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-propyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-thiouracil, 2-thiothymine and 2-thiocytosine, 5-halouracil and cytosine, 5-propynyl (—C≡C—CH₃) uracil and cytosine and other alkynyl derivatives of pyrimidine bases, 6-azo uracil, cytosine and thymine, 5-uracil (pseudouracil), 4-thiouracil, 8-halo, 8-amino, 8-thiol, 8-thioalkyl, 8-hydroxyl and other 8-substituted adenines and guanines, 5-halo particularly 5-bromo, 5-trifluoromethyl and other 5-substituted uracils and cytosines, 7-methylguanine and 7-methyladenine, 2-F-adenine, 2-amino-adenine, 8-azaguanine and 8-azaadenine, 7-deazaguanine and 7-deazaadenine and 3-deazaguanine and 3-deazaadenine. Further modified nucleobases include tricyclic pyrimidines such as phenoxazine cytidine(1H-pyrimido[5,4-b][1,4]benzoxazin-2(3H)-one), phenothiazine cytidine (1H-pyrimido[5,4-b][1,4]benzothiazin-2(3H)-one), G-clamps such as a substituted phenoxazine cytidine (e.g. 9-(2-aminoethoxy)-H-pyrimido[5,4-b][1,4]benzoxazin-2(3H)-one), carbazole cytidine (2H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indol-2-one), pyridoindole cytidine (H-pyrido[3′,2′:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2-one). Modified nucleobases may also include those in which the purine or pyrimidine base is replaced with other heterocycles, for example 7-deaza-adenine, 7-deazaguanosine, 2-aminopyridine and 2-pyridone. Further nucleobases include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,808, those disclosed in The Concise Encyclopedia Of Polymer Science And Engineering, pages 858-859, Kroschwitz, J. I., ed. John Wiley & Sons, 1990, those disclosed by Englisch et al., Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 1991, 30, 613, and those disclosed by Sanghvi, Y. S., Chapter 15, Antisense Research and Applications, pages 289-302, Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., ed., CRC Press, 1993. Certain of these nucleobases are particularly useful for increasing the binding affinity of the oligomeric compounds of the invention. These include 5-substituted pyrimidines, 6-azapyrimidines and N-2, N-6 and O-6 substituted purines, including 2-aminopropyl-adenine, 5-propynyluracil and 5-propynylcytosine. 5-methylcytosine substitutions have been shown to increase nucleic acid duplex stability by 0.6-1.2° C. (Sanghvi, Y. S., Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., eds., Antisense Research and Applications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1993, pp. 276-278) and are presently preferred base substitutions, even more particularly when combined with 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar modifications.

[0043] Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of certain of the above noted modified nucleobases as well as other modified nucleobases include, but are not limited to, the above noted U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,808, as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,845,205; 5,130,302; 5,134,066; 5,175,273; 5,367,066; 5,432,272; 5,457,187; 5,459,255; 5,484,908; 5,502,177; 5,525,711; 5,552,540; 5,587,469; 5,594,121, 5,596,091; 5,614,617; 5,645,985; 5,830,653; 5,763,588; 6,005,096; and 5,681,941, certain of which are commonly owned with the instant application, and each of which is herein incorporated by reference, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,692, which is commonly owned with the instant application and also herein incorporated by reference.

[0044] Another modification of the oligonucleotides of the invention involves chemically linking to the oligonucleotide one or more moieties or conjugates which enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the oligonucleotide. The compounds of the invention can include conjugate groups covalently bound to functional groups such as primary or secondary hydroxyl groups. Conjugate groups of the invention include intercalators, reporter molecules, polyamines, polyamides, polyethylene glycols, polyethers, groups that enhance the pharmacodynamic properties of oligomers, and groups that enhance the pharmacokinetic properties of oligomers. Typical conjugates groups include cholesterols, lipids, phospholipids, biotin, phenazine, folate, phenanthridine, anthraquinone, acridine, fluoresceins, rhodamines, coumarins, and dyes. Groups that enhance the pharmacodynamic properties, in the context of this invention, include groups that improve oligomer uptake, enhance oligomer resistance to degradation, and/or strengthen sequence-specific hybridization with RNA. Groups that enhance the pharmacokinetic properties, in the context of this invention, include groups that improve oligomer uptake, distribution, metabolism or excretion. Representative conjugate groups are disclosed in International Patent Application PCT/US92/09196, filed Oct. 23, 1992 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Conjugate moieties include but are not limited to lipid moieties such as a cholesterol moiety (Letsinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1989, 86, 6553-6556), cholic acid (Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1994, 4, 1053-1060), a thioether, e.g., hexyl-S-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1992, 660, 306-309; Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1993, 3, 2765-2770), a thiocholesterol (Oberhauser et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1992, 20, 533-538), an aliphatic chain, e.g., dodecandiol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al., EMBO J., 1991, 10, 1111-1118; Kabanov et al., FEBS Lett., 1990, 259, 327-330; Svinarchuk et al., Biochimie, 1993, 75, 49-54), a phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethyl-ammonium 1,2-di-O-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-H-phosphonate (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36, 3651-3654; Shea et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1990, 18, 3777-3783), a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al., Nucleosides & Nucleotides, 1995, 14, 969-973), or adamantane acetic acid (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36, 3651-3654), a palmityl moiety (Mishra et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1995, 1264, 229-237), or an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyl-oxycholesterol moiety (Crooke et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1996, 277, 923-937). Oligonucleotides of the invention may also be conjugated to active drug substances, for example, aspirin, warfarin, phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, suprofen, fenbufen, ketoprofen, (S)-(+)-pranoprofen, carprofen, dansylsarcosine, 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid, flufenamic acid, folinic acid, a benzothiadiazide, chlorothiazide, a diazepine, indomethicin, a barbiturate, a cephalosporin, a sulfa drug, an antidiabetic, an antibacterial or an antibiotic. Oligonucleotide-drug conjugates and their preparation are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/334,130 (filed Jun. 15, 1999) which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0045] Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of such oligonucleotide conjugates include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,828,979; 4,948,882; 5,218,105; 5,525,465; 5,541,313; 5,545,730; 5,552,538; 5,578,717, 5,580,731; 5,580,731; 5,591,584; 5,109,124; 5,118,802; 5,138,045; 5,414,077; 5,486,603; 5,512,439; 5,578,718; 5,608,046; 4,587,044; 4,605,735; 4,667,025; 4,762,779; 4,789,737; 4,824,941; 4,835,263; 4,876,335; 4,904,582; 4,958,013; 5,082,830; 5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,082,830; 5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,245,022; 5,254,469; 5,258,506; 5,262,536; 5,272,250; 5,292,873; 5,317,098; 5,371,241, 5,391,723; 5,416,203, 5,451,463; 5,510,475; 5,512,667; 5,514,785; 5,565,552; 5,567,810; 5,574,142; 5,585,481; 5,587,371; 5,595,726; 5,597,696; 5,599,923; 5,599,928 and 5,688,941, certain of which are commonly owned with the instant application, and each of which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0046] It is not necessary for all positions in a given compound to be uniformly modified, and in fact more than one of the aforementioned modifications may be incorporated in a single compound or even at a single nucleoside within an oligonucleotide. The present invention also includes antisense compounds which are chimeric compounds. “Chimeric” antisense compounds or “chimeras,” in the context of this invention, are antisense compounds, particularly oligonucleotides, which contain two or more chemically distinct regions, each made up of at least one monomer unit, i.e., a nucleotide in the case of an oligonucleotide compound. These oligonucleotides typically contain at least one region wherein the oligonucleotide is modified so as to confer upon the oligonucleotide increased resistance to nuclease degradation, increased cellular uptake, and/or increased binding affinity for the target nucleic acid. An additional region of the oligonucleotide may serve as a substrate for enzymes capable of cleaving RNA:DNA or RNA:RNA hybrids. By way of example, RNase H is a cellular endonuclease which cleaves the RNA strand of an RNA:DNA duplex. Activation of RNase H, therefore, results in cleavage of the RNA target, thereby greatly enhancing the efficiency of oligonucleotide inhibition of gene expression. Consequently, comparable results can often be obtained with shorter oligonucleotides when chimeric oligonucleotides are used, compared to phosphorothioate deoxyoligonucleotides hybridizing to the same target region. Cleavage of the RNA target can be routinely detected by gel electrophoresis and, if necessary, associated nucleic acid hybridization techniques known in the art.

[0047] Chimeric antisense compounds of the invention may be formed as composite structures of two or more oligonucleotides, modified oligonucleotides, oligonucleosides and/or oligonucleotide mimetics as described above. Such compounds have also been referred to in the art as hybrids or gapmers. Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of such hybrid structures include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,013,830; 5,149,797; 5,220,007; 5,256,775; 785,366,878; 5,403,711; 5,491,133; 5,565,350; 5,623,065; 5,652,355; 5,652,356; and 5,700,922, certain of which are commonly owned with the instant application, and each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0048] The antisense compounds used in accordance with this invention may be conveniently and routinely made through the well-known technique of solid phase synthesis. Equipment for such synthesis is sold by several vendors including, for example, Applied Biosystems (Foster City, Calif.). Any other means for such synthesis known in the art may additionally or alternatively be employed. It is well known to use similar techniques to prepare oligonucleotides such as the phosphorothioates and alkylated derivatives.

[0049] The antisense compounds of the invention are synthesized in vitro and do not include antisense compositions of biological origin, or genetic vector constructs designed to direct the in vivo synthesis of antisense molecules. The compounds of the invention may also be admixed, encapsulated, conjugated or otherwise associated with other molecules, molecule structures or mixtures of compounds, as for example, liposomes, receptor targeted molecules, oral, rectal, topical or other formulations, for assisting in uptake, distribution and/or absorption. Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of such uptake, distribution and/or absorption assisting formulations include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,108,921; 5,354,844; 5,416,016; 5,459,127; 5,521,291; 5,543,158; 5,547,932; 5,583,020; 5,591,721; 4,426,330; 4,534,899; 5,013,556; 5,108,921; 5,213,804; 5,227,170; 5,264,221; 5,356,633; 5,395,619; 5,416,016; 5,417,978; 5,462,854; 5,469,854; 5,512,295; 5,527,528; 5,534,259; 5,543,152; 5,556,948; 5,580,575; and 5,595,756, each of which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0050] The antisense compounds of the invention encompass any pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or salts of such esters, or any other compound which, upon administration to an animal including a human, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) the biologically active metabolite or residue thereof. Accordingly, for example, the disclosure is also drawn to prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the invention, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such prodrugs, and other bioequivalents.

[0051] The term “prodrug” indicates a therapeutic agent that is prepared in an inactive form that is converted to an active form (i.e., drug) within the body or cells thereof by the action of endogenous enzymes or other chemicals and/or conditions. In particular, prodrug versions of the oligonucleotides of the invention are prepared as SATE [(S-acetyl-2-thioethyl) phosphate] derivatives according to the methods disclosed in WO 93/24510 to Gosselin et al., published Dec. 9, 1993 or in WO 94/26764 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,713 to Imbach et al.

[0052] The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to physiologically and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the invention: i.e., salts that retain the desired biological activity of the parent compound and do not impart undesired toxicological effects thereto.

[0053] Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts are formed with metals or amines, such as alkali and alkaline earth metals or organic amines. Examples of metals used as cations are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and the like. Examples of suitable amines are N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, dicyclohexylamine, ethylenediamine, N-methylglucamine, and procaine (see, for example, Berge et al., “Pharmaceutical Salts,” J. of Pharma Sci., 1977, 66, 1-19). The base addition salts of said acidic compounds are prepared by contacting the free acid form with a sufficient amount of the desired base to produce the salt in the conventional manner. The free acid form may be regenerated by contacting the salt form with an acid and isolating the free acid in the conventional manner. The free acid forms differ from their respective salt forms somewhat in certain physical properties such as solubility in polar solvents, but otherwise the salts are equivalent to their respective free acid for purposes of the present invention. As used herein, a “pharmaceutical addition salt” includes a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of an acid form of one of the components of the compositions of the invention. These include organic or inorganic acid salts of the amines. Preferred acid salts are the hydrochlorides, acetates, salicylates, nitrates and phosphates. Other suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known to those skilled in the art and include basic salts of a variety of inorganic and organic acids, such as, for example, with inorganic acids, such as for example hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid; with organic carboxylic, sulfonic, sulfo or phospho acids or N-substituted sulfamic acids, for example acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, hydroxymaleic acid, methylmaleic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, gluconic acid, glucaric acid, glucuronic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, 4-aminosalicylic acid, 2-phenoxybenzoic acid, 2-acetoxybenzoic acid, embonic acid, nicotinic acid or isonicotinic acid; and with amino acids, such as the 20 alpha-amino acids involved in the synthesis of proteins in nature, for example glutamic acid or aspartic acid, and also with phenylacetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, ethane-1,2-disulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, 4-methylbenzenesulfoic acid, naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid, naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic acid, 2- or 3-phosphoglycerate, glucose-6-phosphate, N-cyclohexylsulfamic acid (with the formation of cyclamates), or with other acid organic compounds, such as ascorbic acid. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds may also be prepared with a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable cations are well known to those skilled in the art and include alkaline, alkaline earth, ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations. Carbonates or hydrogen carbonates are also possible.

[0054] For oligonucleotides, preferred examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include but are not limited to (a) salts formed with cations such as sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium, calcium, polyamines such as spermine and spermidine, etc.; (b) acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids, for example hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid and the like; (c) salts formed with organic acids such as, for example, acetic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, citric acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, tannic acid, palmitic acid, alginic acid, polyglutamic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, naphthalenedisulfonic acid, polygalacturonic acid, and the like; and (d) salts formed from elemental anions such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine.

[0055] The antisense compounds of the present invention can be utilized for diagnostics, therapeutics, prophylaxis and as research reagents and kits. For therapeutics, an animal, preferably a human, suspected of having a disease or disorder which can be treated by modulating the expression of apolipoprotein(a) is treated by administering antisense compounds in accordance with this invention. The compounds of the invention can be utilized in pharmaceutical compositions by adding an effective amount of an antisense compound to a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. Use of the antisense compounds and methods of the invention may also be useful prophylactically, e.g., to prevent or delay infection, inflammation or tumor formation, for example.

[0056] The antisense compounds of the invention are useful for research and diagnostics, because these compounds hybridize to nucleic acids encoding apolipoprotein(a), enabling sandwich and other assays to easily be constructed to exploit this fact. Hybridization of the antisense oligonucleotides of the invention with a nucleic acid encoding apolipoprotein(a) can be detected by means known in the art. Such means may include conjugation of an enzyme to the oligonucleotide, radiolabelling of the oligonucleotide or any other suitable detection means. Kits using such detection means for detecting the level of apolipoprotein(a) in a sample may also be prepared.

[0057] The present invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions and formulations which include the antisense compounds of the invention. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered in a number of ways depending upon whether local or systemic treatment is desired and upon the area to be treated. Administration may be topical (including ophthalmic and to mucous membranes including vaginal and rectal delivery), pulmonary, e.g., by inhalation or insufflation of powders or aerosols, including by nebulizer; intratracheal, intranasal, epidermal and transdermal), oral or parenteral. Parenteral administration includes intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection or infusion; or intracranial, e.g., intrathecal or intraventricular, administration. Oligonucleotides with at least one 2′-O-methoxyethyl modification are believed to be particularly useful for oral administration.

[0058] Pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for topical administration may include transdermal patches, ointments, lotions, creams, gels, drops, suppositories, sprays, liquids and powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like may be necessary or desirable. Coated condoms, gloves and the like may also be useful. Preferred topical formulations include those in which the oligonucleotides of the invention are in admixture with a topical delivery agent such as lipids, liposomes, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, steroids, chelating agents and surfactants. Preferred lipids and liposomes include neutral (e.g. dioleoylphosphatidyl DOPE ethanolamine, dimyristoylphosphatidyl choline DMPC, distearolyphosphatidyl choline) negative (e.g. dimyristoylphosphatidyl glycerol DMPG) and cationic (e.g. dioleoyltetramethylaminopropyl DOTAP and dioleoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine DOTMA). Oligonucleotides of the invention may be encapsulated within liposomes or may form complexes thereto, in particular to cationic liposomes. Alternatively, oligonucleotides may be complexed to lipids, in particular to cationic lipids. Preferred fatty acids and esters include but are not limited arachidonic acid, oleic acid, eicosanoic acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, monoolein, dilaurin, glyceryl 1-monocaprate, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, an acylcarnitine, an acylcholine, or a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl ester (e.g. isopropylmyristate IPM), monoglyceride, diglyceride or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Topical formulations are described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/315,298 filed on May 20, 1999 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0059] Compositions and formulations for oral administration include powders or granules, microparticulates, nanoparticulates, suspensions or solutions in water or non-aqueous media, capsules, gel capsules, sachets, tablets or minitablets. Thickeners, flavoring agents, diluents, emulsifiers, dispersing aids or binders may be desirable. Preferred oral formulations are those in which oligonucleotides of the invention are administered in conjunction with one or more penetration enhancers surfactants and chelators. Preferred surfactants include fatty acids and/or esters or salts thereof, bile acids and/or salts thereof. Prefered bile acids/salts include chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and ursodeoxychenodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), cholic acid, dehydrocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, glucholic acid, glycholic acid, glycodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, sodium tauro-24,25-dihydro-fusidate, sodium glycodihydrofusidate. Prefered fatty acids include arachidonic acid, undecanoic acid, oleic acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, monoolein, dilaurin, glyceryl 1-monocaprate, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, an acylcarnitine, an acylcholine, or a monoglyceride, a diglyceride or a pharmaceutically racceptable salt thereof (e.g. sodium). Also prefered are combinations of penetration enhancers, for example, fatty acids/salts in combination with bile acids/salts. A particularly prefered combination is the sodium salt of lauric acid, capric acid and UDCA. Further penetration enhancers include polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene-20-cetyl ether. Oligonucleotides of the invention may be delivered orally in granular form including sprayed dried particles, or complexed to form micro or nanoparticles. Oligonucleotide complexing agents include

[0060] poly-amino acids; polyimines; polyacrylates; polyalkylacrylates, polyoxethanes, polyalkylcyanoacrylates; cationized gelatins, albumins, starches, acrylates, polyethyleneglycols (PEG) and starches; polyalkylcyanoacrylates; DEAE-derivatized polyimines, pollulans, celluloses and starches. Particularly preferred complexing agents include chitosan, N-trimethylchitosan, poly-L-lysine, polyhistidine, polyornithine, polyspermines, protamine, polyvinylpyridine, polythiodiethylamino-methylethylene P(TDAE), polyaminostyrene (e.g. p-amino), poly(methylcyanoacrylate), poly(ethylcyanoacrylate), poly(butylcyanoacrylate), poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate), poly(isohexylcynaoacrylate), DEAE-methacrylate, DEAE-hexylacrylate, DEAE-acrylamide, DEAE-albumin and DEAE-dextran, polymethylacrylate, polyhexylacrylate, poly(D,L-lactic acid), poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), alginate, and polyethyleneglycol (PEG). Oral formulations for oligonucleotides and their preparation are described in detail in U.S. applications 08/886,829 (filed Jul. 1, 1997), 09/108,673 (filed Jul. 1, 1998), 09/256,515 (filed Feb. 23, 1999), 09/082,624 (filed May 21, 1998) and 09/315,298 (filed May 20, 1999) each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0061] Compositions and formulations for parenteral, intrathecal or intraventricular administration may include sterile aqueous solutions which may also contain buffers, diluents and other suitable additives such as, but not limited to, penetration enhancers, carrier compounds and other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.

[0062] Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, solutions, emulsions, and liposome-containing formulations. These compositions may be generated from a variety of components that include, but are not limited to, preformed liquids, self-emulsifying solids and self-emulsifying semisolids.

[0063] The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention, which may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form, may be prepared according to conventional techniques well known in the pharmaceutical industry. Such techniques include the step of bringing into association the active ingredients with the pharmaceutical carrier(s) or excipient(s). In general the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the active ingredients with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product.

[0064] The compositions of the present invention may be formulated into any of many possible dosage forms such as, but not limited to, tablets, capsules, gel capsules, liquid syrups, soft gels, suppositories, and enemas. The compositions of the present invention may also be formulated as suspensions in aqueous, non-aqueous or mixed media. Aqueous suspensions may further contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension including, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol and/or dextran. The suspension may also contain stabilizers.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated and used as foams. Pharmaceutical foams include formulations such as, but not limited to, emulsions, microemulsions, creams, jellies and liposomes. While basically similar in nature these formulations vary in the components and the consistency of the final product. The preparation of such compositions and formulations is generally known to those skilled in the pharmaceutical and formulation arts and may be applied to the formulation of the compositions of the present invention.

[0066] Emulsions

[0067] The compositions of the present invention may be prepared and formulated as emulsions. Emulsions are typically heterogenous systems of one liquid dispersed in another in the form of droplets usually exceeding 0.1 μm in diameter. (Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., Volume 1, p. 245; Block in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 2, p. 335; Higuchi et al., in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1985, p. 301). Emulsions are often biphasic systems comprising of two immiscible liquid phases intimately mixed and dispersed with each other. In general, emulsions may be either water-in-oil (w/o) or of the oil-in-water (o/w) variety. When an aqueous phase is finely divided into and dispersed as minute droplets into a bulk oily phase the resulting composition is called a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion. Alternatively, when an oily phase is finely divided into and dispersed as minute droplets into a bulk aqueous phase the resulting composition is called an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion. Emulsions may contain additional components in addition to the dispersed phases and the active drug which may be present as a solution in either the aqueous phase, oily phase or itself as a separate phase. Pharmaceutical excipients such as emulsifiers, stabilizers, dyes, and anti-oxidants may also be present in emulsions as needed. Pharmaceutical emulsions may also be multiple emulsions that are comprised of more than two phases such as, for example, in the case of oil-in-water-in-oil (o/w/o) and water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsions. Such complex formulations often provide certain advantages that simple binary emulsions do not. Multiple emulsions in which individual oil droplets of an o/w emulsion enclose small water droplets constitute a w/o/w emulsion. Likewise a system of oil droplets enclosed in globules of water stabilized in an oily continuous provides an o/w/o emulsion.

[0068] Emulsions are characterized by little or no thermodynamic stability. Often, the dispersed or discontinuous phase of the emulsion is well dispersed into the external or continuous phase and maintained in this form through the means of emulsifiers or the viscosity of the formulation. Either of the phases of the emulsion may be a semisolid or a solid, as is the case of emulsion-style ointment bases and creams. Other means of stabilizing emulsions entail the use of emulsifiers that may be incorporated into either phase of the emulsion. Emulsifiers may broadly be classified into four categories: synthetic surfactants, naturally occurring emulsifiers, absorption bases, and finely dispersed solids (Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199).

[0069] Synthetic surfactants, also known as surface active agents, have found wide applicability in the formulation of emulsions and have been reviewed in the literature (Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 285; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, volume 1, p. 199). Surfactants are typically amphiphilic and comprise a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic portion. The ratio of the hydrophilic to the hydrophobic nature of the surfactant has been termed the hydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB) and is a valuable tool in categorizing and selecting surfactants in the preparation of formulations. Surfactants may be classified into different classes based on the nature of the hydrophilic group: nonionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric (Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 285).

[0070] Naturally occurring emulsifiers used in emulsion formulations include lanolin, beeswax, phosphatides, lecithin and acacia. Absorption bases possess hydrophilic properties such that they can soak up water to form w/o emulsions yet retain their semisolid consistencies, such as anhydrous lanolin and hydrophilic petrolatum. Finely divided solids have also been used as good emulsifiers especially in combination with surfactants and in viscous preparations. These include polar inorganic solids, such as heavy metal hydroxides, nonswelling clays such as bentonite, attapulgite, hectorite, kaolin, montmorillonite, colloidal aluminum silicate and colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate, pigments and nonpolar solids such as carbon or glyceryl tristearate.

[0071] A large variety of non-emulsifying materials are also included in emulsion formulations and contribute to the properties of emulsions. These include fats, oils, waxes, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, humectants, hydrophilic colloids, preservatives and antioxidants (Block, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 335; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199).

[0072] Hydrophilic colloids or hydrocolloids include naturally occurring gums and synthetic polymers such as polysaccharides (for example, acacia, agar, alginic acid, carrageenan, guar gum, karaya gum, and tragacanth), cellulose derivatives (for example, carboxymethylcellulose and carboxypropylcellulose), and synthetic polymers (for example, carbomers, cellulose ethers, and carboxyvinyl polymers). These disperse or swell in water to form colloidal solutions that stabilize emulsions by forming strong interfacial films around the dispersed-phase droplets and by increasing the viscosity of the external phase.

[0073] Since emulsions often contain a number of ingredients such as carbohydrates, proteins, sterols and phosphatides that may readily support the growth of microbes, these formulations often incorporate preservatives. Commonly used preservatives included in emulsion formulations include methyl paraben, propyl paraben, quaternary ammonium salts, benzalkonium chloride, esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and boric acid. Antioxidants are also commonly added to emulsion formulations to prevent deterioration of the formulation. Antioxidants used may be free radical scavengers such as tocopherols, alkyl gallates, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, or reducing agents such as ascorbic acid and sodium metabisulfite, and antioxidant synergists such as citric acid, tartaric acid, and lecithin.

[0074] The application of emulsion formulations via dermatological, oral and parenteral routes and methods for their manufacture have been reviewed in the literature (Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199). Emulsion formulations for oral delivery have been very widely used because of reasons of ease of formulation, efficacy from an absorption and bioavailability standpoint. (Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199). Mineral-oil base laxatives, oil-soluble vitamins and high fat nutritive preparations are among the materials that have commonly been administered orally as o/w emulsions.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the compositions of oligonucleotides and nucleic acids are formulated as microemulsions. A microemulsion may be defined as a system of water, oil and amphiphile which is a single optically isotropic and thermodynamically stable liquid solution (Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245). Typically microemulsions are systems that are prepared by first dispersing an oil in an aqueous surfactant solution and then adding a sufficient amount of a fourth component, generally an intermediate chain-length alcohol to form a transparent system. Therefore, microemulsions have also been described as thermodynamically stable, isotropically clear dispersions of two immiscible liquids that are stabilized by interfacial films of surface-active molecules (Leung and Shah, in: Controlled Release of Drugs: Polymers and Aggregate Systems, Rosoff, M., Ed., 1989, VCH Publishers, New York, pages 185-215). Microemulsions commonly are prepared via a combination of three to five components that include oil, water, surfactant, cosurfactant and electrolyte. Whether the microemulsion is of the water-in-oil (w/o) or an oil-in-water (o/w) type is dependent on the properties of the oil and surfactant used and on the structure and geometric packing of the polar heads and hydrocarbon tails of the surfactant molecules (Schott, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1985, p. 271).

[0076] The phenomenological approach utilizing phase diagrams has been extensively studied and has yielded a comprehensive knowledge, to one skilled in the art, of how to formulate microemulsions (Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245; Block, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 335). Compared to conventional emulsions, microemulsions offer the advantage of solubilizing water-insoluble drugs in a formulation of thermodynamically stable droplets that are formed spontaneously.

[0077] Surfactants used in the preparation of microemulsions include, but are not limited to, ionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, Brij 96, polyoxyethylene oleyl ethers, polyglycerol fatty acid esters, tetraglycerol monolaurate (ML310), tetraglycerol monooleate (MO310), hexaglycerol monooleate (PO310), hexaglycerol pentaoleate (PO500), decaglycerol monocaprate (MCA750), decaglycerol monooleate (MO750), decaglycerol sequioleate (S0750), decaglycerol decaoleate (DA0750), alone or in combination with cosurfactants. The cosurfactant, usually a short-chain alcohol such as ethanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol, serves to increase the interfacial fluidity by penetrating into the surfactant film and consequently creating a disordered film because of the void space generated among surfactant molecules. Microemulsions may, however, be prepared without the use of cosurfactants and alcohol-free self-emulsifying microemulsion systems are known in the art. The aqueous phase may typically be, but is not limited to, water, an aqueous solution of the drug, glycerol, PEG300, PEG400, polyglycerols, propylene glycols, and derivatives of ethylene glycol. The oil phase may include, but is not limited to, materials such as Captex 300, Captex 355, Capmul MCM, fatty acid esters, medium chain (C8-C12) mono, di, and tri-glycerides, polyoxyethylated glyceryl fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, polyglycolized glycerides, saturated polyglycolized C8-C10 glycerides, vegetable oils and silicone oil.

[0078] Microemulsions are particularly of interest from the standpoint of drug solubilization and the enhanced absorption of drugs. Lipid based microemulsions (both o/w and w/o) have been proposed to enhance the oral bioavailability of drugs, including peptides (Constantinides et al., Pharmaceutical Research, 1994, 11, 1385-1390; Ritschel, Meth. Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol., 1993, 13, 205). Microemulsions afford advantages of improved drug solubilization, protection of drug from enzymatic hydrolysis, possible enhancement of drug absorption due to surfactant-induced alterations in membrane fluidity and permeability, ease of preparation, ease of oral administration over solid dosage forms, improved clinical potency, and decreased toxicity (Constantinides et al., Pharmaceutical Research, 1994, 11, 1385; Ho et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 1996, 85, 138-143). Often microemulsions may form spontaneously when their components are brought together at ambient temperature. This may be particularly advantageous when formulating thermolabile drugs, peptides or oligonucleotides. Microemulsions have also been effective in the transdermal delivery of active components in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. It is expected that the microemulsion compositions and formulations of the present invention will facilitate the increased systemic absorption of oligonucleotides and nucleic acids from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as improve the local cellular uptake of oligonucleotides and nucleic acids within the gastrointestinal tract, vagina, buccal cavity and other areas of administration.

[0079] Microemulsions of the present invention may also contain additional components and additives such as sorbitan monostearate (Grill 3), Labrasol, and penetration enhancers to improve the properties of the formulation and to enhance the absorption of the oligonucleotides and nucleic acids of the present invention. Penetration enhancers used in the microemulsions of the present invention may be classified as belonging to one of five broad categories—surfactants, fatty acids, bile salts, chelating agents, and non-chelating non-surfactants (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p. 92). Each of these classes has been discussed above.

[0080] Liposomes

[0081] There are many organized surfactant structures besides microemulsions that have been studied and used for the formulation of drugs. These include monolayers, micelles, bilayers and vesicles. Vesicles, such as liposomes, have attracted great interest because of their specificity and the duration of action they offer from the standpoint of drug delivery. As used in the present invention, the term “liposome” means a vesicle composed of amphiphilic lipids arranged in a spherical bilayer or bilayers.

[0082] Liposomes are unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles which have a membrane formed from a lipophilic material and an aqueous interior. The aqueous portion contains the composition to be delivered. Cationic liposomes possess the advantage of being able to fuse to the cell wall. Non-cationic liposomes, although not able to fuse as efficiently with the cell wall, are taken up by macrophages in vivo.

[0083] In order to cross intact mammalian skin, lipid vesicles must pass through a series of fine pores, each with a diameter less than 50 nm, under the influence of a suitable transdermal gradient. Therefore, it is desirable to use a liposome which is highly deformable and able to pass through such fine pores.

[0084] Further advantages of liposomes include; liposomes obtained from natural phospholipids are biocompatible and biodegradable; liposomes can incorporate a wide range of water and lipid soluble drugs; liposomes can protect encapsulated drugs in their internal compartments from metabolism and degradation (Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245). Important considerations in the preparation of liposome formulations are the lipid surface charge, vesicle size and the aqueous volume of the liposomes.

[0085] Liposomes are useful for the transfer and delivery of active ingredients to the site of action. Because the liposomal membrane is structurally similar to biological membranes, when liposomes are applied to a tissue, the liposomes start to merge with the cellular membranes. As the merging of the liposome and cell progresses, the liposomal contents are emptied into the cell where the active agent may act.

[0086] Liposomal formulations have been the focus of extensive investigation as the mode of delivery for many drugs. There is growing evidence that for topical administration, liposomes present several advantages over other formulations. Such advantages include reduced side-effects related to high systemic absorption of the administered drug, increased accumulation of the administered drug at the desired target, and the ability to administer a wide variety of drugs, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, into the skin.

[0087] Several reports have detailed the ability of liposomes to deliver agents including high-molecular weight DNA into the skin. Compounds including analgesics, antibodies, hormones and high-molecular weight DNAs have been administered to the skin. The majority of applications resulted in the targeting of the upper epidermis.

[0088] Liposomes fall into two broad classes. Cationic liposomes are positively charged liposomes which interact with the negatively charged DNA molecules to form a stable complex. The positively charged DNA/liposome complex binds to the negatively charged cell surface and is internalized in an endosome. Due to the acidic pH within the endosome, the liposomes are ruptured, releasing their contents into the cell cytoplasm (Wang et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 1987, 147, 980-985).

[0089] Liposomes which are pH-sensitive or negatively-charged, entrap DNA rather than complex with it. Since both the DNA and the lipid are similarly charged, repulsion rather than complex formation occurs. Nevertheless, some DNA is entrapped within the aqueous interior of these liposomes. pH-sensitive liposomes have been used to deliver DNA encoding the thymidine kinase gene to cell monolayers in culture. Expression of the exogenous gene was detected in the target cells (Zhou et al., Journal of Controlled Release, 1992, 19, 269-274).

[0090] One major type of liposomal composition includes phospholipids other than naturally-derived phosphatidylcholine. Neutral liposome compositions, for example, can be formed from dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Anionic liposome compositions generally are formed from dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol, while anionic fusogenic liposomes are formed primarily from dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE). Another type of liposomal composition is formed from phosphatidylcholine (PC) such as, for example, soybean PC, and egg PC. Another type is formed from mixtures of phospholipid and/or phosphatidylcholine and/or cholesterol.

[0091] Several studies have assessed the topical delivery of liposomal drug formulations to the skin. Application of liposomes containing interferon to guinea pig skin resulted in a reduction of skin herpes sores while delivery of interferon via other means (e.g. as a solution or as an emulsion) were ineffective (Weiner et al., Journal of Drug Targeting, 1992, 2, 405-410). Further, an additional study tested the efficacy of interferon administered as part of a liposomal formulation to the administration of interferon using an aqueous system, and concluded that the liposomal formulation was superior to aqueous administration (du Plessis et al., Antiviral Research, 1992, 18, 259-265).

[0092] Non-ionic liposomal systems have also been examined to determine their utility in the delivery of drugs to the skin, in particular systems comprising non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol. Non-ionic liposomal formulations comprising Novasome™ (glyceryl dilaurate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) and Novasome™ II (glyceryl distearate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) were used to deliver cyclosporin-A into the dermis of mouse skin. Results indicated that such non-ionic liposomal systems were effective in facilitating the deposition of cyclosporin-A into different layers of the skin (Hu et al. S.T.P.Pharma. Sci., 1994, 4, 6, 466).

[0093] Liposomes also include “sterically stabilized” liposomes, a term which, as used herein, refers to liposomes comprising one or more specialized lipids that, when incorporated into liposomes, result in enhanced circulation lifetimes relative to liposomes lacking such specialized lipids. Examples of sterically stabilized liposomes are those in which part of the vesicle-forming lipid portion of the liposome (A) comprises one or more glycolipids, such as monosialoganglioside G_(M1), or (B) is derivatized with one or more hydrophilic polymers, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is thought in the art that, at least for sterically stabilized liposomes containing gangliosides, sphingomyelin, or PEG-derivatized lipids, the enhanced circulation half-life of these sterically stabilized liposomes derives from a reduced uptake into cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) (Allen et al., FEBS Letters, 1987, 223, 42; Wu et al., Cancer Research, 1993, 53, 3765). Various liposomes comprising one or more glycolipids are known in the art. Papahadjopoulos et al. (Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1987, 507, 64) reported the ability of monosialoganglioside G_(M1), galactocerebroside sulfate and phosphatidylinositol to improve blood half-lives of liposomes. These findings were expounded upon by Gabizon et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 1988, 85, 6949). U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,028 and WO 88/04924, both to Allen et al., disclose liposomes comprising (1) sphingomyelin and (2) the ganglioside G_(M1) or a galactocerebroside sulfate ester. U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,152 (Webb et al.) discloses liposomes comprising sphingomyelin. Liposomes comprising 1,2-sn-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine are disclosed in WO 97/13499 (Lim et al.).

[0094] Many liposomes comprising lipids derivatized with one or more hydrophilic polymers, and methods of preparation thereof, are known in the art. Sunamoto et al. (Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn., 1980, 53, 2778) described liposomes comprising a nonionic detergent, 2C₁₂15G, that contains a PEG moiety. Illum et al. (EEBS Lett., 1984, 167, 79) noted that hydrophilic coating of polystyrene particles with polymeric glycols results in significantly enhanced blood half-lives. Synthetic phospholipids modified by the attachment of carboxylic groups of polyalkylene glycols (e.g., PEG) are described by Sears (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,426,330 and 4,534,899). Klibanov et al. (FEBS Lett., 1990, 268, 235) described experiments demonstrating that liposomes comprising phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) derivatized with PEG or PEG stearate have significant increases in blood circulation half-lives. Blume et al. (Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1990, 1029, 91) extended such observations to other PEG-derivatized phospholipids, e.g., DSPE-PEG, formed from the combination of distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) and PEG. Liposomes having covalently bound PEG moieties on their external surface are described in European Patent No. EP 0 445 131 B1 and WO 90/04384 to Fisher. Liposome compositions containing 1-20 mole percent of PE derivatized with PEG, and methods of use thereof, are described by Woodle et al. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,013,556 and 5,356,633) and Martin et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,804 and European Patent No. EP 0 496 813 B1). Liposomes comprising a number of other lipid-polymer conjugates are disclosed in WO 91/05545 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,212 (both to Martin et al.) and in WO 94/20073 (Zalipsky et al.) Liposomes comprising PEG-modified ceramide lipids are described in WO 96/10391 (Choi et al.). U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,540,935 (Miyazaki et al.) and 5,556,948 (Tagawa et al.) describe PEG-containing liposomes that can be further derivatized with functional moieties on their surfaces.

[0095] A limited number of liposomes comprising nucleic acids are known in the art. WO 96/40062 to Thierry et al. discloses methods for encapsulating high molecular weight nucleic acids in liposomes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,221 to Tagawa et al. discloses protein-bonded liposomes and asserts that the contents of such liposomes may include an antisense RNA. U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,710 to Rahman et al. describes certain methods of encapsulating oligodeoxynucleotides in liposomes. WO 97/04787 to Love et al. discloses liposomes comprising antisense oligonucleotides targeted to the raf gene.

[0096] Transfersomes are yet another type of liposomes, and are highly deformable lipid aggregates which are attractive candidates for drug delivery vehicles. Transfersomes may be described as lipid droplets which are so highly deformable that they are easily able to penetrate through pores which are smaller than the droplet. Transfersomes are adaptable to the environment in which they are used, e.g. they are self-optimizing (adaptive to the shape of pores in the skin), self-repairing, frequently reach their targets without fragmenting, and often self-loading. To make transfersomes it is possible to add surface edge-activators, usually surfactants, to a standard liposomal composition. Transfersomes have been used to deliver serum albumin to the skin. The transfersome-mediated delivery of serum albumin has been shown to be as effective as subcutaneous injection of a solution containing serum albumin.

[0097] Surfactants find wide application in formulations such as emulsions (including microemulsions) and liposomes. The most common way of classifying and ranking the properties of the many different types of surfactants, both natural and synthetic, is by the use of the hydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB). The nature of the hydrophilic group (also known as the “head”) provides the most useful means for categorizing the different surfactants used in formulations (Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, p. 285).

[0098] If the surfactant molecule is not ionized, it is classified as a nonionic surfactant. Nonionic surfactants find wide application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and are usable over a wide range of pH values. In general their HLB values range from 2 to about 18 depending on their structure. Nonionic surfactants include nonionic esters such as ethylene glycol esters, propylene glycol esters, glyceryl esters, polyglyceryl esters, sorbitan esters, sucrose esters, and ethoxylated esters. Nonionic alkanolamides and ethers such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, propoxylated alcohols, and ethoxylated/propoxylated block polymers are also included in this class. The polyoxyethylene surfactants are the most popular members of the nonionic surfactant class. If the surfactant molecule carries a negative charge when it is dissolved or dispersed in water, the surfactant is classified as anionic. Anionic surfactants include carboxylates such as soaps, acyl lactylates, acyl amides of amino acids, esters of sulfuric acid such as alkyl sulfates and ethoxylated alkyl sulfates, sulfonates such as alkyl benzene sulfonates, acyl isethionates, acyl taurates and sulfosuccinates, and phosphates. The most important members of the anionic surfactant class are the alkyl sulfates and the soaps.

[0099] If the surfactant molecule carries a positive charge when it is dissolved or dispersed in water, the surfactant is classified as cationic. Cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salts and ethoxylated amines. The quaternary ammonium salts are the most used members of this class.

[0100] If the surfactant molecule has the ability to carry either a positive or negative charge, the surfactant is classified as amphoteric. Amphoteric surfactants include acrylic acid derivatives, substituted alkylamides, N-alkylbetaines and phosphatides.

[0101] The use of surfactants in drug products, formulations and in emulsions has been reviewed (Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, p. 285).

[0102] Penetration Enhancers

[0103] In one embodiment, the present invention employs various penetration enhancers to effect the efficient delivery of nucleic acids, particularly oligonucleotides, to the skin of animals. Most drugs are present in solution in both ionized and nonionized forms. However, usually only lipid soluble or lipophilic drugs readily cross cell membranes. It has been discovered that even non-lipophilic drugs may cross cell membranes if the membrane to be crossed is treated with a penetration enhancer. In addition to aiding the diffusion of non-lipophilic drugs across cell membranes, penetration enhancers also enhance the permeability of lipophilic drugs.

[0104] Penetration enhancers may be classified as belonging to one of five broad categories, i.e., surfactants, fatty acids, bile salts, chelating agents, and non-chelating non-surfactants (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p.92). Each of the above mentioned classes of penetration enhancers are described below in greater detail.

[0105] Surfactants: In connection with the present invention, surfactants (or “surface-active agents”) are chemical entities which, when dissolved in an aqueous solution, reduce the surface tension of the solution or the interfacial tension between the aqueous solution and another liquid, with the result that absorption of oligonucleotides through the mucosa is enhanced. In addition to bile salts and fatty acids, these penetration enhancers include, for example, sodium lauryl sulfate, polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether and polyoxyethylene-20-cetyl ether) (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p.92); and perfluorochemical emulsions, such as FC-43. Takahashi et al., J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 1988, 40, 252).

[0106] Fatty acids: Various fatty acids and their derivatives which act as penetration enhancers include, for example, oleic acid, lauric acid, capric acid (n-decanoic acid), myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, monoolein (1-monooleoyl-rac-glycerol), dilaurin, caprylic acid, arachidonic acid, glycerol 1-monocaprate, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, acylcarnitines, acylcholines, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl esters thereof (e.g., methyl, isopropyl and t-butyl), and mono- and di-glycerides thereof (i.e., oleate, laurate, caprate, myristate, palmitate, stearate, linoleate, etc.) (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p.92; Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33; El Hariri et al., J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 1992, 44, 651-654).

[0107] Bile salts: The physiological role of bile includes the facilitation of dispersion and absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins (Brunton, Chapter 38 in: Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th Ed., Hardman et al. Eds., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1996, pp. 934-935). Various natural bile salts, and their synthetic derivatives, act as penetration enhancers. Thus the term “bile salts” includes any of the naturally occurring components of bile as well as any of their synthetic derivatives. The bile salts of the invention include, for example, cholic acid (or its pharmaceutically acceptable sodium salt, sodium cholate), dehydrocholic acid (sodium dehydrocholate), deoxycholic acid (sodium deoxycholate), glucholic acid (sodium glucholate), glycholic acid (sodium glycocholate), glycodeoxycholic acid (sodium glycodeoxycholate), taurocholic acid (sodium taurocholate), taurodeoxycholic acid (sodium taurodeoxycholate), chenodeoxycholic acid (sodium chenodeoxycholate), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), sodium tauro-24,25-dihydro-fusidate (STDHF), sodium glycodihydrofusidate and polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether (POE) (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, page 92; Swinyard, Chapter 39 In: Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed., Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1990, pages 782-783; Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33; Yamamoto et al., J. Pharm. Exp. Ther., 1992, 263, 25; Yamashita et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 1990, 79, 579-583).

[0108] Chelating Agents: Chelating agents, as used in connection with the present invention, can be defined as compounds that remove metallic ions from solution by forming complexes therewith, with the result that absorption of oligonucleotides through the mucosa is enhanced. With regards to their use as penetration enhancers in the present invention, chelating agents have the added advantage of also serving as DNase inhibitors, as most characterized DNA nucleases require a divalent metal ion for catalysis and are thus inhibited by chelating agents (Jarrett, J. Chromatogr., 1993, 618, 315-339). Chelating agents of the invention include but are not limited to disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), citric acid, salicylates (e.g., sodium salicylate, 5-methoxysalicylate and homovanilate), N-acyl derivatives of collagen, laureth-9 and N-amino acyl derivatives of beta-diketones (enamines)(Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, page 92; Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33; Buur et al., J. Control Rel., 1990, 14, 43-51).

[0109] Non-chelating non-surfactants: As used herein, non-chelating non-surfactant penetration enhancing compounds can be defined as compounds that demonstrate insignificant activity as chelating agents or as surfactants but that nonetheless enhance absorption of oligonucleotides through the alimentary mucosa (Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33). This class of penetration enhancers include, for example, unsaturated cyclic ureas, 1-alkyl- and 1-alkenylazacyclo-alkanone derivatives (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, page 92); and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as diclofenac sodium, indomethacin and phenylbutazone (Yamashita et al., J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 1987, 39, 621-626).

[0110] Agents that enhance uptake of oligonucleotides at the cellular level may also be added to the pharmaceutical and other compositions of the present invention. For example, cationic lipids, such as lipofectin (Junichi et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,188), cationic glycerol derivatives, and polycationic molecules, such as polylysine (Lollo et al., PCT Application WO 97/30731), are also known to enhance the cellular uptake of oligonucleotides.

[0111] Other agents may be utilized to enhance the penetration of the administered nucleic acids, including glycols such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, pyrrols such as 2-pyrrol, azones, and terpenes such as limonene and menthone.

[0112] Carriers

[0113] Certain compositions of the present invention also incorporate carrier compounds in the formulation. As used herein, “carrier compound” or “carrier” can refer to a nucleic acid, or analog thereof, which is inert (i.e., does not possess biological activity per se) but is recognized as a nucleic acid by in vivo processes that reduce the bioavailability of a nucleic acid having biological activity by, for example, degrading the biologically active nucleic acid or promoting its removal from circulation. The coadministration of a nucleic acid and a carrier compound, typically with an excess of the latter substance, can result in a substantial reduction of the amount of nucleic acid recovered in the liver, kidney or other extracirculatory reservoirs, presumably due to competition between the carrier compound and the nucleic acid for a common receptor. For example, the recovery of a partially phosphorothioate oligonucleotide in hepatic tissue can be reduced when it is coadministered with polyinosinic acid, dextran sulfate, polycytidic acid or 4-acetamido-4′isothiocyano-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (Miyao et al., Antisense Res. Dev., 1995, 5, 115-121; Takakura et al., Antisense & Nucl. Acid Drug Dev., 1996, 6, 177-183).

[0114] Excipients

[0115] In contrast to a carrier compound, a “pharmaceutical carrier” or “excipient” is a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, suspending agent or any other pharmacologically inert vehicle for delivering one or more nucleic acids to an animal. The excipient may be liquid or solid and is selected, with the planned manner of administration in mind, so as to provide for the desired bulk, consistency, etc., when combined with a nucleic acid and the other components of a given pharmaceutical composition. Typical pharmaceutical carriers include, but are not limited to, binding agents (e.g., pregelatinized maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, etc.); fillers (e.g., lactose and other sugars, microcrystalline cellulose, pectin, gelatin, calcium sulfate, ethyl cellulose, polyacrylates or calcium hydrogen phosphate, etc.); lubricants (e.g., magnesium stearate, talc, silica, colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid, metallic stearates, hydrogenated vegetable oils, corn starch, polyethylene glycols, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, etc.); disintegrants (e.g., starch, sodium starch glycolate, etc.); and wetting agents (e.g., sodium lauryl sulphate, etc.).

[0116] Pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic excipient suitable for non-parenteral administration which do not deleteriously react with nucleic acids can also be used to formulate the compositions of the present invention. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, gelatin, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, hydroxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and the like.

[0117] Formulations for topical administration of nucleic acids may include sterile and non-sterile aqueous solutions, non-aqueous solutions in common solvents such as alcohols, or solutions of the nucleic acids in liquid or solid oil bases. The solutions may also contain buffers, diluents and other suitable additives. Pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic excipients suitable for non-parenteral administration which do not deleteriously react with nucleic acids can be used.

[0118] Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients include, but are not limited to, water, salt solutions, alcohol, polyethylene glycols, gelatin, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, hydroxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and the like.

[0119] Other Components

[0120] The compositions of the present invention may additionally contain other adjunct components conventionally found in pharmaceutical compositions, at their art-established usage levels. Thus, for example, the compositions may contain additional, compatible, pharmaceutically-active materials such as, for example, antipruritics, astringents, local anesthetics or anti-inflammatory agents, or may contain additional materials useful in physically formulating various dosage forms of the compositions of the present invention, such as dyes, flavoring agents, preservatives, antioxidants, opacifiers, thickening agents and stabilizers. However, such materials, when added, should not unduly interfere with the biological activities of the components of the compositions of the present invention. The formulations can be sterilized and, if desired, mixed with auxiliary agents, e.g., lubricants, preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, salts for influencing osmotic pressure, buffers, colorings, flavorings and/or aromatic substances and the like which do not deleteriously interact with the nucleic acid(s) of the formulation.

[0121] Aqueous suspensions may contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension including, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol and/or dextran. The suspension may also contain stabilizers.

[0122] Certain embodiments of the invention provide pharmaceutical compositions containing (a) one or more antisense compounds and (b) one or more other chemotherapeutic agents which function by a non-antisense mechanism. Examples of such chemotherapeutic agents include but are not limited to daunorubicin, daunomycin, dactinomycin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, esorubicin, bleomycin, mafosfamide, ifosfamide, cytosine arabinoside, bis-chloroethylnitrosurea, busulfan, mitomycin C, actinomycin D, mithramycin, prednisone, hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, tamoxifen, dacarbazine, procarbazine, hexamethylmelamine, pentamethylmelamine, mitoxantrone, amsacrine, chlorambucil, methylcyclohexylnitrosurea, nitrogen mustards, melphalan, cyclophosphamide, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, cytarabine, 5-azacytidine, hydroxyurea, deoxycoformycin, 4-hydroxyperoxycyclophosphoramide, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (5-FUdR), methotrexate (MTX), colchicine, taxol, vincristine, vinblastine, etoposide (VP-16), trimetrexate, irinotecan, topotecan, gemcitabine, teniposide, cisplatin and diethylstilbestrol (DES). See, generally, The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 15th Ed. 1987, pp. 1206-1228, Berkow et al., eds., Rahway, N.J. When used with the compounds of the invention, such chemotherapeutic agents may be used individually (e.g., 5-FU and oligonucleotide), sequentially (e.g., 5-FU and oligonucleotide for a period of time followed by MTX and oligonucleotide), or in combination with one or more other such chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., 5-FU, MTX and oligonucleotide, or 5-FU, radiotherapy and oligonucleotide). Anti-inflammatory drugs, including but not limited to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, and antiviral drugs, including but not limited to ribivirin, vidarabine, acyclovir and ganciclovir, may also be combined in compositions of the invention. See, generally, The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 15th Ed., Berkow et al., eds., 1987, Rahway, N.J., pages 2499-2506 and 46-49, respectively). Other non-antisense chemotherapeutic agents are also within the scope of this invention. Two or more combined compounds may be used together or sequentially.

[0123] In another related embodiment, compositions of the invention may contain one or more antisense compounds, particularly oligonucleotides, targeted to a first nucleic acid and one or more additional antisense compounds targeted to a second nucleic acid target. Numerous examples of antisense compounds are known in the art. Two or more combined compounds may be used together or sequentially.

[0124] The formulation of therapeutic compositions and their subsequent administration is believed to be within the skill of those in the art. Dosing is dependent on severity and responsiveness of the disease state to be treated, with the course of treatment lasting from several days to several months, or until a cure is effected or a diminution of the disease state is achieved. Optimal dosing schedules can be calculated from measurements of drug accumulation in the body of the patient. Persons of ordinary skill can easily determine optimum dosages, dosing methodologies and repetition rates. Optimum dosages may vary depending on the relative potency of individual oligonucleotides, and can generally be estimated based on EC₅₀s found to be effective in in vitro and in vivo animal models. In general, dosage is from 0.01 ug to 100 g per kg of body weight, and may be given once or more daily, weekly, monthly or yearly, or even once every 2 to 20 years. Persons of ordinary skill in the art can easily estimate repetition rates for dosing based on measured residence times and concentrations of the drug in bodily fluids or tissues. Following successful treatment, it may be desirable to have the patient undergo maintenance therapy to prevent the recurrence of the disease state, wherein the oligonucleotide is administered in maintenance doses, ranging from 0.01 ug to 100 g per kg of body weight, once or more daily, to once every 20 years.

[0125] While the present invention has been described with specificity in accordance with certain of its preferred embodiments, the following examples serve only to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the same.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Nucleoside Phosphoramidites for Oligonucleotide Synthesis Deoxy and 2′-alkoxy amidites

[0126] 2′-Deoxy and 2′-methoxy beta-cyanoethyldiisopropyl phosphoramidites were purchased from commercial sources (e.g. Chemgenes, Needham Mass. or Glen Research, Inc. Sterling Va.). Other 2′-O-alkoxy substituted nucleoside amidites are prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,506,351, herein incorporated by reference. For oligonucleotides synthesized using 2′-alkoxy amidites, the standard cycle for unmodified oligonucleotides was utilized, except the wait step after pulse delivery of tetrazole and base was increased to 360 seconds.

[0127] Oligonucleotides containing 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Me-C) nucleotides were synthesized according to published methods (Sanghvi, et. al., Nucleic Acids Research, 1993, 21, 3197-3203) using commercially available phosphoramidites (Glen Research, Sterling Va. or ChemGenes, Needham Mass.).

[0128] 2′-Fluoro amidites

[0129] 2′-Fluorodeoxyadenosine Amidites

[0130] 2′-fluoro oligonucleotides were synthesized as described previously (Kawasaki, et. al., J. Med. Chem., 1993, 36, 831-841) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,670,633, herein incorporated by reference. Briefly, the protected nucleoside N6-benzoyl-2′-deoxy-2′-fluoroadenosine was synthesized utilizing commercially available 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine as starting material and by modifying literature procedures whereby the 2′-alpha-fluoro atom is introduced by a SN2-displacement of a 2′-beta-trityl group. Thus N6-benzoyl-9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine was selectively protected in moderate yield as the 3′,5′-ditetrahydropyranyl (THP) intermediate. Deprotection of the THP and N6-benzoyl groups was accomplished using standard methodologies and standard methods were used to obtain the 5′-dimethoxytrityl-(DMT) and 5′-DMT-3′-phosphoramidite intermediates.

[0131] 2′-Fluorodeoxyguanosine

[0132] The synthesis of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoroguanosine was accomplished using tetraisopropyldisiloxanyl (TPDS) protected 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosylguanine as starting material, and conversion to the intermediate diisobutyryl-arabinofuranosylguanosine. Deprotection of the TPDS group was followed by protection of the hydroxyl group with THP to give diisobutyryl di-THP protected arabinofuranosylguanine.

[0133] Selective O-deacylation and triflation was followed by treatment of the crude product with fluoride, then deprotection of the THP groups. Standard methodologies were used to obtain the 5′-DMT- and 5′-DMT-3′-phosphoramidites.

[0134] 2′-Fluorouridine

[0135] Synthesis of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluorouridine was accomplished by the modification of a literature procedure in which 2,2′-anhydro-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyluracil was treated with 70% hydrogen fluoride-pyridine. Standard procedures were used to obtain the 5′-DMT and 5′-DMT-3′phosphoramidites.

[0136] 2′-Fluorodeoxycytidine

[0137] 2′-deoxy-2′-fluorocytidine was synthesized via amination of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluorouridine, followed by selective protection to give N4-benzoyl-2′-deoxy-2′-fluorocytidine. Standard procedures were used to obtain the 5′-DMT and 5′-DMT-3′phosphoramidites.

[0138] 2′-O-(2-Methoxyethyl) Modified Amidites

[0139] 2′-O-Methoxyethyl-substituted nucleoside amidites are prepared as follows, or alternatively, as per the methods of Martin, P., Helvetica Chimica Acta, 1995, 78, 486-504.

[0140]2,2′-Anhydro[1-(beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-methyluridine]

[0141] 5-Methyluridine (ribosylthymine, commercially available through Yamasa, Choshi, Japan) (72.0 g, 0.279 M), diphenylcarbonate (90.0 g, 0.420 M) and sodium bicarbonate (2.0 g, 0.024 M) were added to DMF (300 mL). The mixture was heated to reflux, with stirring, allowing the evolved carbon dioxide gas to be released in a controlled manner. After 1 hour, the slightly darkened solution was concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting syrup was poured into diethylether (2.5 L), with stirring. The product formed a gum. The ether was decanted and the residue was dissolved in a minimum amount of methanol (ca. 400 mL). The solution was poured into fresh ether (2.5 L) to yield a stiff gum. The ether was decanted and the gum was dried in a vacuum oven (60° C. at 1 mm Hg for 24 h) to give a solid that was crushed to a light tan powder (57 g, 85% crude yield). The NMR spectrum was consistent with the structure, contaminated with phenol as its sodium salt (ca. 5%). The material was used as is for further reactions (or it can be purified further by column chromatography using a gradient of methanol in ethyl acetate (10-25%) to give a white solid, mp 222-4° C.).

[0142] 2′-O-Methoxyethyl-5-methyluridine

[0143] 2,2′-Anhydro-5-methyluridine (195 g, 0.81 M), tris(2-methoxyethyl)borate (231 g, 0.98 M) and 2-methoxyethanol (1.2 L) were added to a 2 L stainless steel pressure vessel and placed in a pre-heated oil bath at 160° C. After heating for 48 hours at 155-160° C., the vessel was opened and the solution evaporated to dryness and triturated with MeOH (200 mL). The residue was suspended in hot acetone (1 L). The insoluble salts were filtered, washed with acetone (150 mL) and the filtrate evaporated. The residue (280 g) was dissolved in CH₃CN (600 mL) and evaporated. A silica gel column (3 kg) was packed in CH₂Cl₂/acetone/MeOH (20:5:3) containing 0.5% Et₃NH. The residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (250 mL) and adsorbed onto silica (150 g) prior to loading onto the column. The product was eluted with the packing solvent to give 160 g (63%) of product. Additional material was obtained by reworking impure fractions.

[0144] 2′-O-Methoxyethyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-5-methyluridine

[0145] 2′-O-Methoxyethyl-5-methyluridine (160 g, 0.506 M) was co-evaporated with pyridine (250 mL) and the dried residue dissolved in pyridine (1.3 L). A first aliquot of dimethoxytrityl chloride (94.3 g, 0.278 M) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for one hour. A second aliquot of dimethoxytrityl chloride (94.3 g, 0.278 M) was added and the reaction stirred for an additional one hour. Methanol (170 mL) was then added to stop the reaction. HPLC showed the presence of approximately 70% product. The solvent was evaporated and triturated with CH₃CN (200 mL). The residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (1.5 L) and extracted with 2×500 mL of saturated NaHCO₃ and 2×500 mL of saturated NaCl. The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO filtered and evaporated. 275 g of residue was obtained. The residue was purified on a 3.5 kg silica gel column, packed and eluted with EtOAc/hexane/acetone (5:5:1) containing 0.5% Et₃NH. The pure fractions were evaporated to give 164 g of product. Approximately 20 g additional was obtained from the impure fractions to give a total yield of 183 g (57%).

[0146] 3′-O-Acetyl-2′-O-methoxyethyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-5-methyluridine

[0147] 2′O-Methoxyethyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-5-methyluridine (106 g, 0.167 M), DMF/pyridine (750 mL of a 3:1 mixture prepared from 562 mL of DMF and 188 mL of pyridine) and acetic anhydride (24.38 mL, 0.258 M) were combined and stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction was monitored by TLC by first quenching the TLC sample with the addition of MeOH. Upon completion of the reaction, as judged by TLC, MeOH (50 mL) was added and the mixture evaporated at 35° C. The residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (800 mL) and extracted with 2×200 mL of saturated sodium bicarbonate and 2×200 mL of saturated NaCl. The water layers were back extracted with 200 mL of CHCl₃. The combined organics were dried with sodium sulfate and evaporated to give 122 g of residue (approx. 90% product). The residue was purified on a 3.5 kg silica gel column and eluted using EtOAc/hexane(4:1). Pure product fractions were evaporated to yield 96 g (84%). An additional 1.5 g was recovered from later fractions.

[0148] 3′-O-Acetyl-2′-O-methoxyethyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-5-methyl-4-triazoleuridine

[0149] A first solution was prepared by dissolving 3′-O-acetyl-2′-O-methoxyethyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-5-methyluridine (96 g, 0.144 M) in CH3CN (700 mL) and set aside. Triethylamine (189 mL, 1.44 M) was added to a solution of triazole (90 g, 1.3 M) in CH₃CN (1 L), cooled to −5° C. and stirred for 0.5 h using an overhead stirrer. POCl₃ was added dropwise, over a 30 minute period, to the stirred solution maintained at 0-10° C., and the resulting mixture stirred for an additional 2 hours. The first solution was added dropwise, over a 45 minute period, to the latter solution. The resulting reaction mixture was stored overnight in a cold room. Salts were filtered from the reaction mixture and the solution was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (1 L) and the insoluble solids were removed by filtration. The filtrate was washed with 1×300 mL of NaHCO₃ and 2×300 mL of saturated NaCl, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. The residue was triturated with EtOAc to give the title compound.

[0150] 2′-O-Methoxyethyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-5-methylcytidine

[0151] A solution of 3′-O-acetyl-2′-O-methoxyethyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-5-methyl-4-triazoleuridine (103 g, 0.141 M) in dioxane (500 mL) and NH₄OH (30 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The dioxane solution was evaporated and the residue azeotroped with MeOH (2×200 mL). The residue was dissolved in MeOH (300 mL) and transferred to a 2 liter stainless steel pressure vessel. MeOH (400 mL) saturated with NH₃ gas was added and the vessel heated to 100° C. for 2 hours (TLC showed complete conversion). The vessel contents were evaporated to dryness and the residue was dissolved in EtOAc (500 mL) and washed once with saturated NaCl (200 mL). The organics were dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent was evaporated to give 85 g (95%) of the title compound.

[0152] N4-Benzoyl-2′-O-methoxyethyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-5-methylcytidine

[0153] 2′-O-Methoxyethyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-5-methylcytidine (85 g, 0.134 M) was dissolved in DMF (800 mL) and benzoic anhydride (37.2 g, 0.165 M) was added with stirring. After stirring for 3 hours, TLC showed the reaction to be approximately 95% complete. The solvent was evaporated and the residue azeotroped with MeOH (200 mL). The residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (700 mL) and extracted with saturated NaHCO₃ (2×300 mL) and saturated NaCl (2×300 mL), dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated to give a residue (96 g). The residue was chromatographed on a 1.5 kg silica column using EtOAc/hexane (1:1) containing 0.5% Et₃NH as the eluting solvent. The pure product fractions were evaporated to give 90 g (90%) of the title compound.

[0154] N4-Benzoyl-2′-O-methoxyethyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-5-methylcytidine-3′-amidite

[0155] N4-Benzoyl-2′-O-methoxyethyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-5-methylcytidine (74 g, 0.10 M) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (1 L).

[0156] Tetrazole diisopropylamine (7.1 g) and 2-cyanoethoxy-tetra-(isopropyl)phosphite (40.5 mL, 0.123 M) were added with stirring, under a nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting mixture was stirred for 20 hours at room temperature (TLC showed the reaction to be 95% complete). The reaction mixture was extracted with saturated NaHCO₃ (1×300 mL) and saturated NaCl (3×300 mL). The aqueous washes were back-extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (300 mL), and the extracts were combined, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The residue obtained was chromatographed on a 1.5 kg silica column using EtOAc/hexane (3:1) as the eluting solvent. The pure fractions were combined to give 90.6 g (87%) of the title compound.

[0157] 2′-O-(Aminooxyethyl) Nucleoside Amidites and 2′-0-(dimethylaminooxyethyl) Nucleoside Amidites

[0158] 2′-(Dimethylaminooxyethoxy) Nucleoside Amidites

[0159] 2′-(Dimethylaminooxyethoxy) nucleoside amidites (also known in the art as 2′-O-(dimethylaminooxyethyl) nucleoside amidites) are prepared as described in the following paragraphs. Adenosine, cytidine and guanosine nucleoside amidites are prepared similarly to the thymidine (5-methyluridine) except the exocyclic amines are protected with a benzoyl moiety in the case of adenosine and cytidine and with isobutyryl in the case of guanosine.

[0160] 5′-O-tert-Butyldiphenylsilyl-O²-2′-anhydro-5-methyluridine

[0161] O²-2′-anhydro-5-methyluridine (Pro. Bio. Sint., Varese, Italy, 100.0 g, 0.416 mmol), dimethylaminopyridine (0.66 g, 0.013 eq, 0.0054 mmol) were dissolved in dry pyridine (500 ml) at ambient temperature under an argon atmosphere and with mechanical stirring. tert-Butyldiphenylchlorosilane (125.8 g, 119.0 mL, 1.1 eq, 0.458 mmol) was added in one portion. The reaction was stirred for 16 h at ambient temperature. TLC (Rf 0.22, ethyl acetate) indicated a complete reaction. The solution was concentrated under reduced pressure to a thick oil. This was partitioned between dichloromethane (1 L) and saturated sodium bicarbonate (2×1 L) and brine (1 L). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to a thick oil. The oil was dissolved in a 1:1 mixture of ethyl acetate and ethyl ether (600 mL) and the solution was cooled to −10° C. The resulting crystalline product was collected by filtration, washed with ethyl ether (3×200 mL) and dried (40° C., 1 mm Hg, 24 h) to 149 g (74.8%) of white solid. TLC and NMR were consistent with pure product.

[0162] 5′-O-tert-Butyldiphenylsilyl-2′-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-5-methyluridine

[0163] In a 2 L stainless steel, unstirred pressure reactor was added borane in tetrahydrofuran (1.0 M, 2.0 eq, 622 mL). In the fume hood and with manual stirring, ethylene glycol (350 mL, excess) was added cautiously at first until the evolution of hydrogen gas subsided. 5′-O-tert-Butyldiphenylsilyl-O²-2′-anhydro-5-methyluridine (149 g, 0.311 mol) and sodium bicarbonate (0.074 g, 0.003 eq) were added with manual stirring. The reactor was sealed and heated in an oil bath until an internal temperature of 160° C. was reached and then maintained for 16 h (pressure <100 psig). The reaction vessel was cooled to ambient and opened. TLC (Rf 0.67 for desired product and Rf 0.82 for ara-T side product, ethyl acetate) indicated about 70% conversion to the product. In order to avoid additional side product formation, the reaction was stopped, concentrated under reduced pressure (10 to 1 mm Hg) in a warm water bath (40-100° C.) with the more extreme conditions used to remove the ethylene glycol. [Alternatively, once the low boiling solvent is gone, the remaining solution can be partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The product will be in the organic phase.] The residue was purified by column chromatography (2 kg silica gel, ethyl acetate-hexanes gradient 1:1 to 4:1). The appropriate fractions were combined, stripped and dried to product as a white crisp foam (84 g, 50%), contaminated starting material (17.4 g) and pure reusable starting material 20 g. The yield based on starting material less pure recovered starting material was 58%. TLC and NMR were consistent with 99% pure product.

[0164] 2′-O-([2-phthalimidoxy)ethyl]-5′-t-butyldiphenylsilyl-5-methyluridine

[0165] 5′-O-tert-Butyldiphenylsilyl-2′-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-5-methyluridine (20 g, 36.98 mmol) was mixed with triphenylphosphine (11.63 g, 44.36 mmol) and N-hydroxyphthalimide (7.24 g, 44.36 mmol). It was then dried over P₂O₅ under high vacuum for two days at 40° C. The reaction mixture was flushed with argon and dry THF (369.8 mL, Aldrich, sure seal bottle) was added to get a clear solution. Diethyl-azodicarboxylate (6.98 mL, 44.36 mmol) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture. The rate of addition is maintained such that resulting deep red coloration is just discharged before adding the next drop. After the addition was complete, the reaction was stirred for 4 hrs. By that time TLC showed the completion of the reaction (ethylacetate:hexane, 60:40). The solvent was evaporated in vacuum. Residue obtained was placed on a flash column and eluted with ethyl acetate:hexane (60:40), to get 2′-O-([2-phthalimidoxy)ethyl]-5′-t-butyldiphenylsilyl-5-methyluridine as white foam (21.819 g, 86%).

[0166] 5′-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2′-O-[(2-formadoximinooxy)ethyl]-5-methyluridine 2′-O-([2-phthalimidoxy)ethyl]-5′-t-butyldiphenylsilyl-5-methyluridine (3.1 g, 4.5 mmol) was dissolved in dry CH₂Cl₂ (4.5 mL) and methylhydrazine (300 mL, 4.64 mmol) was added dropwise at −10° C. to 0° C. After 1 h the mixture was filtered, the filtrate was washed with ice cold CH₂Cl₂ and the combined organic phase was washed with water, brine and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. The solution was concentrated to get 2′-O-(aminooxyethyl) thymidine, which was then dissolved in MeOH (67.5 mL). To this formaldehyde (20% aqueous solution, w/w, 1.1 eq.) was added and the resulting mixture was strirred for 1 h. Solvent was removed under vacuum; residue chromatographed to get 5′-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2′-O-[(2-formadoximinooxy) ethyl]-5-methyluridine as white foam (1.95 g, 78%).

[0167] 5′-O-tert-Butyldiphenylsilyl-2′-O-[N,N-dimethylaminooxyethyl]-5-methyluridine

[0168] 5′-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2′-O-[(2-formadoximinooxy)ethyl]-5-methyluridine (1.77 g, 3.12 mmol) was dissolved in a solution of 1M pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (PPTS) in dry MeOH (30.6 mL). Sodium cyanoborohydride (0.39 g, 6.13 mmol) was added to this solution at 10° C. under inert atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at 10° C. After that the reaction vessel was removed from the ice bath and stirred at room temperature for 2 h, the reaction monitored by TLC (5% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂). Aqueous NaHCO₃ solution (5%, 10 mL) was added and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×20 mL). Ethyl acetate phase was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, evaporated to dryness. Residue was dissolved in a solution of 1M PPTS in MeOH (30.6 mL). Formaldehyde (20% w/w, 30 mL, 3.37 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. Reaction mixture cooled to 10° C. in an ice bath, sodium cyanoborohydride (0.39 g, 6.13 mmol) was added and reaction mixture stirred at 10° C. for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the reaction mixture was removed from the ice bath and stirred at room temperature for 2 hrs. To the reaction mixture 5% NaHCO₃ (25 mL) solution was added and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×25 mL). Ethyl acetate layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to dryness. The residue obtained was purified by flash column chromatography and eluted with 5% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂ to get 5′-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2′-O-[N,N-dimethylaminooxyethyl]-5-methyluridine as a white foam (14.6 g, 80%).

[0169] 2′-O— (dimethylaminooxyethyl)-5-methyluridine

[0170] Triethylamine trihydrofluoride (3.91 mL, 24.0 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF and triethylamine (1.67 mL, 12 mmol, dry, kept over KOH). This mixture of triethylamine-2HF was then added to 5′-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2′-O-[N,N-dimethylaminooxyethyl]-5-methyluridine (1.40 g, 2.4 mmol) and stirred at room temperature for 24 hrs. Reaction was monitored by TLC (5% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂). Solvent was removed under vacuum and the residue placed on a flash column and eluted with 10% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂ to get 2′-O-(dimethylaminooxyethyl)-5-methyluridine (766 mg, 92.5%).

[0171] 5′-O-DMT-2′-O— (dimethylaminooxyethyl)-5-methyluridine

[0172] 2′-O-(dimethylaminooxyethyl)-5-methyluridine (750 mg, 2.17 mmol) was dried over P₂O₅ under high vacuum overnight at 40° C. It was then co-evaporated with anhydrous pyridine (20 mL). The residue obtained was dissolved in pyridine (1 μm) under argon atmosphere. 4-dimethylaminopyridine (26.5 mg, 2.60 mmol), 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl chloride (880 mg, 2.60 mmol) was added to the mixture and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature until all of the starting material disappeared. Pyridine was removed under vacuum and the residue chromatographed and eluted with 10% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂ (containing a few drops of pyridine) to get 5′-O-DMT-2′-O-(dimethylamino-oxyethyl)-5-methyluridine (1.13 g, 80%).

[0173] 5′-O-DMT-2′-O-(2-N,N-dimethylaminooxyethyl)-5-methyluridine-3′-[(2-cyanoethyl)-N,N-diisopropylphosphoramidite]

[0174] 5′-O-DMT-2′-O-(dimethylaminooxyethyl)-5-methyluridine (1.08 g, 1.67 mmol) was co-evaporated with toluene (20 mL). To the residue N,N-diisopropylamine tetrazonide (0.29 g, 1.67 mmol) was added and dried over P₂O₅ under high vacuum overnight at 40° C. Then the reaction mixture was dissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile (8.4 mL) and 2-cyanoethyl-N,N,N¹,N¹-tetraisopropylphosphoramidite (2.12 mL, 6.08 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hrs under inert atmosphere. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC (hexane:ethyl acetate 1:1). The solvent was evaporated, then the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (70 mL) and washed with 5% aqueous NaHCO₃ (40 mL). Ethyl acetate layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Residue obtained was chromatographed (ethyl acetate as eluent) to get 5′-O-DMT-2′-O-(2-N,N-dimethylaminooxyethyl)-5-methyluridine-3′-[(2-cyanoethyl)-N,N-diisopropylphosphoramidite] as a foam (1.04 g, 74.9%).

[0175] 2′-(Aminooxyethoxy) Nucleoside Amidites

[0176] 2′-(Aminooxyethoxy) nucleoside amidites (also known in the art as 2′-O-(aminooxyethyl) nucleoside amidites) are prepared as described in the following paragraphs. Adenosine, cytidine and thymidine nucleoside amidites are prepared similarly.

[0177] N2-isobutyryl-6-O-diphenylcarbamoyl-2′-O-(2-ethylacetyl)-5′-O-(4,4′-dimethoxytrityl)guanosine-3′-[(2-cyanoethyl)-N,N-diisopropylphosphoramidite]

[0178] The 2′-O-aminooxyethyl guanosine analog may be obtained by selective 2′-O-alkylation of diaminopurine riboside. Multigram quantities of diaminopurine riboside may be purchased from Schering AG (Berlin) to provide 2′-O-(2-ethylacetyl) diaminopurine riboside along with aminor amount of the 3′-O-isomer. 2′-O-(2-ethylacetyl) diaminopurine riboside may be resolved and converted to 2′-O-(2-ethylacetyl)guanosine by treatment with adenosine deaminase. (McGee, D. P. C., Cook, P. D., Guinosso, C. J., WO 94/02501 A1 940203.) Standard protection procedures should afford 2′-O-(2-ethylacetyl)-5′-O-(4,4′-dimethoxytrityl)guanosine and 2-N-isobutyryl-6-O-diphenylcarbamoyl-2′-O-(2-ethylacetyl)-5′-O-(4,4′-dimethoxytrityl)guanosine which may be reduced to provide 2-N-isobutyryl-6-O-diphenylcarbamoyl-2′-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-5′-O-(4,41-dimethoxytrityl)guanosine. As before the hydroxyl group may be displaced by N-hydroxyphthalimide via a Mitsunobu reaction, and the protected nucleoside may phosphitylated as usual to yield 2-N-isobutyryl-6-O-diphenylcarbamoyl-2′-O-([2-phthalmidoxy]ethyl)-5′-O-(4,4′-dimethoxytrityl)guanosine-3′-[(2-cyanoethyl)-N,N-diisopropylphosphoramidite].

[0179] 2′-dimethylaminoethoxyethoxy (2′-DMAEOE) Nucleoside Amidites

[0180] 2′-dimethylaminoethoxyethoxy nucleoside amidites (also known in the art as 2′-O-dimethylaminoethoxyethyl, i.e., 2′-O—CH₂—O—CH₂—N(CH₂)₂, or 2′-DMAEOE nucleoside amidites) are prepared as follows. Other nucleoside amidites are prepared similarly.

[0181] 2′-O-[2(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy)ethyl]-5-methyl Uridine

[0182] 2[2-(Dimethylamino)ethoxy]ethanol (Aldrich, 6.66 g, 50 mmol) is slowly added to a solution of borane in tetra-hydrofuran (1 M, 10 mL, 10 mmol) with stirring in a 100 mL bomb. Hydrogen gas evolves as the solid dissolves. O²-,2′-anhydro-5-methyluridine (1.2 g, 5 mmol), and sodium bicarbonate (2.5 mg) are added and the bomb is sealed, placed in an oil bath and heated to 155° C. for 26 hours. The bomb is cooled to room temperature and opened. The crude solution is concentrated and the residue partitioned between water (200 mL) and hexanes (200 mL). The excess phenol is extracted into the hexane layer. The aqueous layer is extracted with ethyl acetate (3×200 mL) and the combined organic layers are washed once with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is columned on silica gel using methanol/methylene chloride 1:20 (which has 2% triethylamine) as the eluent. As the column fractions are concentrated a colorless solid forms which is collected to give the title compound as a white solid.

[0183] 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-[2(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy) ethyl)]-5-methyl Uridine

[0184] To 0.5 g (1.3 mmol) of 2′-O-[2(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy)ethyl)]-5-methyl uridine in anhydrous pyridine (8 mL), triethylamine (0.36 mL) and dimethoxytrityl chloride (DMT-Cl, 0.87 g, 2 eq.) are added and stirred for 1 hour. The reaction mixture is poured into water (200 mL) and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×200 mL). The combined CH₂Cl₂ layers are washed with saturated NaHCO₃ solution, followed by saturated NaCl solution and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent followed by silica gel chromatography using MeOH:CH₂Cl₂:Et₃N (20:1, v/v, with 1% triethylamine) gives the title compound.

[0185] 5′′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-[2(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy)-ethyl)]-5-methyl uridine-3′-O-(cyanoethyl-N,N-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite

[0186] Diisopropylaminotetrazolide (0.6 g) and 2-cyanoethoxy-N,N-diisopropyl phosphoramidite (1.1 mL, 2 eq.) are added to a solution of 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-[2(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy)ethyl)]-5-methyluridine (2.17 g, 3 mmol) dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL) under an atmosphere of argon. The reaction mixture is stirred overnight and the solvent evaporated. The resulting residue is purified by silica gel flash column chromatography with ethyl acetate as the eluent to give the title compound.

Example 2 Oligonucleotide Synthesis

[0187] Unsubstituted and substituted phosphodiester (P═O) oligonucleotides are synthesized on an automated DNA synthesizer (Applied Biosystems model 380B) using standard phosphoramidite chemistry with oxidation by iodine.

[0188] Phosphorothioates (P═S) are synthesized as for the phosphodiester oligonucleotides except the standard oxidation bottle was replaced by 0.2 M solution of 3H-1,2-benzodithiole-3-one 1,1-dioxide in acetonitrile for the stepwise thiation of the phosphite linkages. The thiation wait step was increased to 68 sec and was followed by the capping step. After cleavage from the CPG column and deblocking in concentrated ammonium hydroxide at 55° C. (18 h), the oligonucleotides were purified by precipitating twice with 2.5 volumes of ethanol from a 0.5 M NaCl solution. Phosphinate oligonucleotides are prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,270, herein incorporated by reference.

[0189] Alkyl phosphonate oligonucleotides are prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,863, herein incorporated by reference.

[0190] 3′-Deoxy-3′-methylene phosphonate oligonucleotides are prepared as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,610,289 or 5,625,050, herein incorporated by reference.

[0191] Phosphoramidite oligonucleotides are prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,775 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,878, herein incorporated by reference.

[0192] Alkylphosphonothioate oligonucleotides are prepared as described in published PCT applications PCT/US94/00902 and PCT/US93/06976 (published as WO 94/17093 and WO 94/02499, respectively), herein incorporated by reference.

[0193] 3-Deoxy-3′-amino phosphoramidate oligonucleotides are prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,925, herein incorporated by reference.

[0194] Phosphotriester oligonucleotides are prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,243, herein incorporated by reference.

[0195] Borano phosphate oligonucleotides are prepared as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,130,302 and 5,177,198, both herein incorporated by reference.

Example 3 Oligonucleoside Synthesis

[0196] Methylenemethylimino linked oligonucleosides, also identified as MMI linked oligonucleosides, methylenedimethylhydrazo linked oligonucleosides, also identified as MDH linked oligonucleosides, and methylenecarbonylamino linked oligonucleosides, also identified as amide-3 linked oligonucleosides, and methyleneaminocarbonyl linked oligonucleosides, also identified as amide-4 linked oligonucleosides, as well as mixed backbone compounds having, for instance, alternating MMI and P═O or P═S linkages are prepared as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,378,825, 5,386,023, 5,489,677, 5,602,240 and 5,610,289, all of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0197] Formacetal and thioformacetal linked oligonucleosides are prepared as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,264,562 and 5,264,564, herein incorporated by reference.

[0198] Ethylene oxide linked oligonucleosides are prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,618, herein incorporated by reference.

Example 4 PNA Synthesis

[0199] Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are prepared in accordance with any of the various procedures referred to in Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNA): Synthesis, Properties and Potential Applications, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 1996, 4, 5-23. They may also be prepared in accordance with U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,082, 5,700,922, and 5,719,262, herein incorporated by reference.

Example 5 Synthesis of Chimeric Oligonucleotides

[0200] Chimeric oligonucleotides, oligonucleosides or mixed oligonucleotides/oligonucleosides of the invention can be of several different types. These include a first type wherein the “gap” segment of linked nucleosides is positioned between 5′ and 3′ “wing” segments of linked nucleosides and a second “open end” type wherein the “gap” segment is located at either the 3′ or the 5′ terminus of the oligomeric compound. Oligonucleotides of the first type are also known in the art as “gapmers” or gapped oligonucleotides. Oligonucleotides of the second type are also known in the art as “hemimers” or “wingmers”.

[0201] [2′-O-Me]—[2′-deoxy]-[2′-O-Me] Chimeric Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides

[0202] Chimeric oligonucleotides having 2′-O-alkyl phosphorothioate and 2′-deoxy phosphorothioate oligonucleotide segments are synthesized using an Applied Biosystems automated DNA synthesizer Model 380B, as above. Oligonucleotides are synthesized using the automated synthesizer and 2′-deoxy-5′-dimethoxytrityl-3′-O-phosphoramidite for the DNA portion and 5′-dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-methyl-3′-O-phosphoramidite for 5′ and 3′ wings. The standard synthesis cycle is modified by increasing the wait step after the delivery of tetrazole and base to 600 s repeated four times for RNA and twice for 2′-O-methyl. The fully protected oligonucleotide is cleaved from the support and the phosphate group is deprotected in 3:1 ammonia/ethanol at room temperature overnight then lyophilized to dryness. Treatment in methanolic ammonia for 24 hrs at room temperature is then done to deprotect all bases and sample was again lyophilized to dryness. The pellet is resuspended in 1M TBAF in THF for 24 hrs at room temperature to deprotect the 2′ positions. The reaction is then quenched with 1M TEAA and the sample is then reduced to ½ volume by rotovac before being desalted on a G25 size exclusion column. The oligo recovered is then analyzed spectrophotometrically for yield and for purity by capillary electrophoresis and by mass spectrometry.

[0203] [2′-O-(2-Methoxyethyl)]—[2′-deoxy]—[2′-O-(Methoxyethyl)] Chimeric Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides

[0204] [2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl)]—[2′-deoxy]—[-2′-O-(methoxyethyl)] chimeric phosphorothioate oligonucleotides were prepared as per the procedure above for the 2′-O-methyl chimeric oligonucleotide, with the substitution of 2′-O-(methoxyethyl) amidites for the 2′-O-methyl amidites.

[0205] [2′-O— (2-Methoxyethyl) Phosphodiester]—[2′-deoxy Phosphorothioate]—[2′-O— (2-Methoxyethyl) Phosphodiester] Chimeric Oligonucleotides

[0206] [2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl phosphodiester]—[2′-deoxy phosphorothioate]—[2′-O-(methoxyethyl) phosphodiester] chimeric oligonucleotides are prepared as per the above procedure for the 2′-O-methyl chimeric oligonucleotide with the substitution of 2′-O-(methoxyethyl) amidites for the 2′-O-methyl amidites, oxidization with iodine to generate the phosphodiester internucleotide linkages within the wing portions of the chimeric structures and sulfurization utilizing 3,H-1,2 benzodithiole-3-one 1,1 dioxide (Beaucage Reagent) to generate the phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages for the center gap.

[0207] Other chimeric oligonucleotides, chimeric oligonucleosides and mixed chimeric oligonucleotides/oligonucleosides are synthesized according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,065, herein incorporated by reference.

Example 6 Oligonucleotide Isolation

[0208] After cleavage from the controlled pore glass column (Applied Biosystems) and deblocking in concentrated ammonium hydroxide at 55° C. for 18 hours, the oligonucleotides or oligonucleosides are purified by precipitation twice out of 0.5 M NaCl with 2.5 volumes ethanol. Synthesized oligonucleotides were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis on denaturing gels and judged to be at least 85% full length material. The relative amounts of phosphorothioate and phosphodiester linkages obtained in synthesis were periodically checked by ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and for some studies oligonucleotides were purified by HPLC, as described by Chiang et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1991, 266, 18162-18171. Results obtained with HPLC-purified material were similar to those obtained with non-HPLC purified material.

Example 7 Oligonucleotide Synthesis—96 Well Plate Format

[0209] Oligonucleotides were synthesized via solid phase P(III) phosphoramidite chemistry on an automated synthesizer capable of assembling 96 sequences simultaneously in a standard 96 well format. Phosphodiester internucleotide linkages were afforded by oxidation with aqueous iodine. Phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages were generated by sulfurization utilizing 3,H-1,2 benzodithiole-3-one 1,1 dioxide (Beaucage Reagent) in anhydrous acetonitrile. Standard base-protected beta-cyanoethyldiisopropyl phosphoramidites were purchased from commercial vendors (e.g. PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif., or Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.). Non-standard nucleosides are synthesized as per known literature or patented methods. They are utilized as base protected betacyanoethyldiisopropyl phosphoramidites.

[0210] Oligonucleotides were cleaved from support and deprotected with concentrated NH₄OH at elevated temperature (55-60° C.) for 12-16 hours and the released product then dried in vacuo. The dried product was then re-suspended in sterile water to afford a master plate from which all analytical and test plate samples are then diluted utilizing robotic pipettors.

Example 8 Oligonucleotide Analysis—96 Well Plate Format

[0211] The concentration of oligonucleotide in each well was assessed by dilution of samples and UV absorption spectroscopy. The full-length integrity of the individual products was evaluated by capillary electrophoresis (CE) in either the 96 well format (Beckman P/ACE™ MDQ) or, for individually prepared samples, on a commercial CE apparatus (e.g., Beckman P/ACE™ 5000, ABI 270). Base and backbone composition was confirmed by mass analysis of the compounds utilizing electrospray-mass spectroscopy. All assay test plates were diluted from the master plate using single and multi-channel robotic pipettors. Plates were judged to be acceptable if at least 85% of the compounds on the plate were at least 85% full length.

Example 9 Cell Culture and Oligonucleotide Treatment

[0212] The effect of antisense compounds on target nucleic acid expression can be tested in any of a variety of cell types provided that the target nucleic acid is present at measurable levels. This can be routinely determined using, for example, PCR or Northern blot analysis. The following 7 cell types are provided for illustrative purposes, but other cell types can be routinely used, provided that the target is expressed in the cell type chosen. This can be readily determined by methods routine in the art, for example Northern blot analysis, Ribonuclease protection assays, or RT-PCR.

[0213] T-24 Cells:

[0214] The human transitional cell bladder carcinoma cell line T-24 was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) (Manassas, Va.). T-24 cells were routinely cultured in complete McCoy's 5A basal media (Gibco/Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (Gibco/Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.), penicillin 100 units per mL, and streptomycin 100 micrograms per mL (Gibco/Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.). Cells were routinely passaged by trypsinization and dilution when they reached 90% confluence. Cells were seeded into 96-well plates (Falcon-Primaria #3872) at a density of 7000 cells/well for use in RT-PCR analysis.

[0215] For Northern blotting or other analysis, cells may be seeded onto 100 mm or other standard tissue culture plates and treated similarly, using appropriate volumes of medium and oligonucleotide.

[0216] A549 Cells:

[0217] The human lung carcinoma cell line A549 was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) (Manassas, Va.). A549 cells were routinely cultured in DMEM basal media (Gibco/Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (Gibco/Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.), penicillin 100 units per mL, and streptomycin 100 micrograms per mL (Gibco/Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.). Cells were routinely passaged by trypsinization and dilution when they reached 90% confluence.

[0218] NHDF Cells:

[0219] Human neonatal dermal fibroblast (NHDF) were obtained from the Clonetics Corporation (Walkersville Md.). NHDFs were routinely maintained in Fibroblast Growth Medium (Clonetics Corporation, Walkersville Md.) supplemented as recommended by the supplier. Cells were maintained for up to 10 passages as recommended by the supplier.

[0220] HEK Cells:

[0221] Human embryonic keratinocytes (HEK) were obtained from the Clonetics Corporation (Walkersville Md.). HEKs were routinely maintained in Keratinocyte Growth Medium (Clonetics Corporation, Walkersville Md.) formulated as recommended by the supplier. Cells were routinely maintained for up to 10 passages as recommended by the supplier.

[0222] HepG2 Cells:

[0223] The human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2 was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (Manassas, Va.) HepG2 cells were routinely cultured in Eagle's MEM supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum, non-essential amino acids, and 1 mM sodium pyruvate (Gibco/Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.). Cells were routinely passaged by trypsinization and dilution when they reached 90% confluence. Cells were seeded into 96-well plates (Falcon-Primaria #3872) at a density of 7000 cells/well for use in RT-PCR analysis.

[0224] For Northern blotting or other analyses, cells may be seeded onto 100 mm or other standard tissue culture plates and treated similarly, using appropriate volumes of medium and oligonucleotide.

[0225] AML12 Cells:

[0226] AML12 (alpha mouse liver 12) cell line was established from hepatocytes from a mouse (CD1 strain, line MT42) transgenic for human TGF alpha. Cells are cultured in a 1:1 mixture of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium and Ham's F12 medium with 0.005 mg/ml insulin, 0.005 mg/ml transferrin, 5 ng/ml selenium, and 40 ng/ml dexamethasone, and 90%; 10% fetal bovine serum. For subculturing, spent medium is removed and fresh media of 0.25% trypsin, 0.03% EDTA solution is added. Fresh trypsin solution (1 to 2 ml) is added and the culture is left to sit at room temperature until the cells detach.

[0227] Cells were routinely passaged by trypsinization and dilution when they reached 90% confluence. Cells were seeded into 96-well plates (Falcon-Primaria #3872) at a density of 7000 cells/well for use in RT-PCR analysis.

[0228] For Northern blotting or other analyses, cells may be seeded onto 100 mm or other standard tissue culture plates and treated similarly, using appropriate volumes of medium and oligonucleotide.

[0229] Primary Mouse Hepatocytes:

[0230] Primary mouse hepatocytes were prepared from CD-1 mice purchased from Charles River Labs (Wilmington, Mass.) and were routinely cultured in Hepatoyte Attachment Media (Gibco) supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (Gibco/Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.), 250 nM dexamethasone (Sigma), and 10 nM bovine insulin (Sigma). Cells were seeded into 96-well plates (Falcon-Primaria #3872) at a density of 10000 cells/well for use in RT-PCR analysis.

[0231] For Northern blotting or other analyses, cells are plated onto 100 mm or other standard tissue culture plates coated with rat tail collagen (200 ug/mL) (Becton Dickinson) and treated similarly using appropriate volumes of medium and oligonucleotide.

[0232] Treatment with Antisense Compounds:

[0233] When cells reach 80% confluency, they are treated with oligonucleotide. For cells grown in 96-well plates, wells are washed once with 200 μL OPTI-MEM™-1 reduced-serum medium (Gibco BRL) and then treated with 130 μL of OPTI-MEM™-1 containing 3.75 μg/mL LIPOFECTINTM (Gibco BRL) and the desired concentration of oligonucleotide. After 4-7 hours of treatment, the medium is replaced with fresh medium. Cells are harvested 16-24 hours after oligonucleotide treatment.

[0234] The concentration of oligonucleotide used varies from cell line to cell line. To determine the optimal oligonucleotide concentration for a particular cell line, the cells are treated with a positive control oligonucleotide at a range of concentrations. For human cells the positive control oligonucleotide is ISIS 13920, TCCGTCATCGCTCCTCAGGG, SEQ ID NO: 1, a 2′-O-methoxyethyl gapmer (2′-O-methoxyethyls shown in bold) with a phosphorothioate backbone which is targeted to human H-ras. For mouse or rat cells the positive control oligonucleotide is ISIS 15770, ATGCATTCTGCCCCCAAGGA, SEQ ID NO: 2, a 2′-O-methoxyethyl gapmer (2′-O-methoxyethyls shown in bold) with a phosphorothioate backbone which is targeted to both mouse and rat c-raf. The concentration of positive control oligonucleotide that results in 80% inhibition of c-Ha-ras (for ISIS 13920) or c-raf (for ISIS 15770) mRNA is then utilized as the screening concentration for new oligonucleotides in subsequent experiments for that cell line. If 80% inhibition is not achieved, the lowest concentration of positive control oligonucleotide that results in 60% inhibition of H-ras or c-raf mRNA is then utilized as the oligonucleotide screening concentration in subsequent experiments for that cell line. If 60% inhibition is not achieved, that particular cell line is deemed as unsuitable for oligonucleotide transfection experiments.

Example 10 Analysis of Oligonucleotide Inhibition of Apolipoprotein(a) Expression

[0235] Antisense modulation of apolipoprotein(a) expression can be assayed in a variety of ways known in the art. For example, apolipoprotein(a) mRNA levels can be quantitated by, e.g., Northern blot analysis, competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Real-time quantitative PCR is presently preferred. RNA analysis can be performed on total cellular RNA or poly(A)+ mRNA. Methods of RNA isolation are taught in, for example, Ausubel, F. M. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Volume 1, pp. 4.1.1-4.2.9 and 4.5.1-4.5.3, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1993. Northern blot analysis is routine in the art and is taught in, for example, Ausubel, F. M. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Volume 1, pp. 4.2.1-4.2.9, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1996. Real-time quantitative (PCR) can be conveniently accomplished using the commercially available ABI PRISM™ 7700 Sequence Detection System, available from PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif. and used according to manufacturer's instructions.

[0236] Protein levels of apolipoprotein(a) can be quantitated in a variety of ways well known in the art, such as immunoprecipitation, Western blot analysis (immunoblotting), ELISA or fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Antibodies directed to apolipoprotein(a) can be identified and obtained from a variety of sources, such as the MSRS catalog of antibodies (Aerie Corporation, Birmingham, Mich.), or can be prepared via conventional antibody generation methods. Methods for preparation of polyclonal antisera are taught in, for example, Ausubel, F. M. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Volume 2, pp. 11.12.1-11.12.9, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997. Preparation of monoclonal antibodies is taught in, for example, Ausubel, F. M. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Volume 2, pp. 11.4.1-11.11.5, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997.

[0237] Immunoprecipitation methods are standard in the art and can be found at, for example, Ausubel, F. M. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Volume 2, pp. 10.16.1-10.16.11, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998. Western blot (immunoblot) analysis is standard in the art and can be found at, for example, Ausubel, F. M. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Volume 2, pp. 10.8.1-10.8.21, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) are standard in the art and can be found at, for example, Ausubel, F. M. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Volume 2, pp. 11.2.1-11.2.22, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1991.

Example 11 Poly(A)+ mRNA Isolation

[0238] Poly(A)+mRNA can be isolated according to Miura et al., Clin. Chem., 1996, 42, 1758-1764. Other methods for poly(A)+ mRNA isolation are taught in, for example, Ausubel, F. M. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Volume 1, pp. 4.5.1-4.5.3, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1993. Briefly, for cells grown on 96-well plates, growth medium is removed from the cells and each well is washed with 200 μL cold PBS. 60 μL lysis buffer (10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.6, 1 mM EDTA, 0.5 M NaCl, 0.5% NP-40, 20 mM vanadyl-ribonucleoside complex) is added to each well, the plate is gently agitated and then incubated at room temperature for five minutes. 55 μL of lysate is transferred to Oligo d(T) coated 96-well plates (AGCT Inc., Irvine Calif.). Plates are incubated for 60 minutes at room temperature, washed 3 times with 200 μL of wash buffer (10 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.6, 1 mM EDTA, 0.3 M NaCl). After the final wash, the plate is blotted on paper towels to remove excess wash buffer and then air-dried for 5 minutes. 60 μL of elution buffer (5 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.6), preheated to 70° C. is added to each well, the plate is incubated on a 90° C. hot plate for 5 minutes, and the eluate is then transferred to a fresh 96-well plate.

[0239] Cells grown on 100 mm or other standard plates may be treated similarly, using appropriate volumes of all solutions.

Example 12 Total RNA Isolation

[0240] Total RNA can be isolated using an RNEASY 96™ kit and buffers purchased from Qiagen Inc. (Valencia Calif.) following the manufacturer's recommended procedures. Briefly, for cells grown on 96-well plates, growth medium is removed from the cells and each well is washed with 200 μL cold PBS. 100 μL Buffer RLT is added to each well and the plate vigorously agitated for 20 seconds. 100 μL of 70% ethanol is then added to each well and the contents mixed by pipetting three times up and down. The samples are then transferred to the RNEASY 96™ well plate attached to a QIAVAC™ manifold fitted with a waste collection tray and attached to a vacuum source. Vacuum is applied for 15 seconds. 1 mL of Buffer RW1 was added to each well of the RNEASY 96™ plate and the vacuum again applied for 15 seconds. 1 mL of Buffer RPE is then added to each well of the RNEASY 96™ plate and the vacuum applied for a period of 15 seconds. The Buffer RPE wash was then repeated and the vacuum is applied for an additional 10 minutes. The plate is then removed from the QIAVAC™ manifold and blotted dry on paper towels. The plate is then re-attached to the QIAVAC™ manifold fitted with a collection tube rack containing 1.2 mL collection tubes. RNA is then eluted by pipetting 60 μL water into each well, incubating 1 minute, and then applying the vacuum for 30 seconds. The elution step is repeated with an additional 60 μL water.

[0241] The repetitive pipetting and elution steps may be automated using a QIAGEN Bio-Robot 9604 (Qiagen, Inc., Valencia Calif.). Essentially, after lysing of the cells on the culture plate, the plate is transferred to the robot deck where the pipetting, DNase treatment and elution steps are carried out.

Example 13 Real-time Quantitative PCR Analysis of apolipoprotein(a) mRNA Levels

[0242] Quantitation of apolipoprotein(a) mRNA levels can be determined by real-time quantitative PCR using the ABI PRISM™ 7700 Sequence Detection System (PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) according to manufacturer's instructions. This is a closed-tube, non-gel-based, fluorescence detection system which allows high-throughput quantitation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products in real-time. As opposed to standard PCR, in which amplification products are quantitated after the PCR is completed, products in real-time quantitative PCR are quantitated as they accumulate. This is accomplished by including in the PCR reaction an oligonucleotide probe that anneals specifically between the forward and reverse PCR primers, and contains two fluorescent dyes. A reporter dye (e.g., JOE, FAM, or VIC, obtained from either Operon Technologies Inc., Alameda, Calif. or PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) is attached to the 5′ end of the probe and a quencher dye (e.g., TAMRA, obtained from either Operon Technologies Inc., Alameda, Calif. or PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) is attached to the 3′ end of the probe. When the probe and dyes are intact, reporter dye emission is quenched by the proximity of the 3′ quencher dye. During amplification, annealing of the probe to the target sequence creates a substrate that can be cleaved by the 5′-exonuclease activity of Taq polymerase. During the extension phase of the PCR amplification cycle, cleavage of the probe by Taq polymerase releases the reporter dye from the remainder of the probe (and hence from the quencher moiety) and a sequence-specific fluorescent signal is generated. With each cycle, additional reporter dye molecules are cleaved from their respective probes, and the fluorescence intensity is monitored at regular intervals by laser optics built into the ABI PRISM™ 7700 Sequence Detection System. In each assay, a series of parallel reactions containing serial dilutions of mRNA from untreated control samples generates a standard curve that is used to quantitate the percent inhibition after antisense oligonucleotide treatment of test samples.

[0243] Prior to quantitative PCR analysis, primer-probe sets specific to the target gene being measured are evaluated for their ability to be “multiplexed” with a GAPDH amplification reaction. In multiplexing, both the target gene and the internal standard gene GAPDH are amplified concurrently in a single sample. In this analysis, mRNA isolated from untreated cells is serially diluted. Each dilution is amplified in the presence of primer-probe sets specific for GAPDH only, target gene only (“single-plexing”), or both (multiplexing). Following PCR amplification, standard curves of GAPDH and target mRNA signal as a function of dilution are generated from both the single-plexed and multiplexed samples. If both the slope and correlation coefficient of the GAPDH and target signals generated from the multiplexed samples fall within 10% of their corresponding values generated from the single-plexed samples, the primer-probe set specific for that target is deemed multiplexable. Other methods of PCR are also known in the art.

[0244] PCR reagents are obtained from PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif. RT-PCR reactions are carried out by adding 25 μL PCR cocktail (1×TAQMAN™ buffer A, 5.5 mM MgCl₂, 300 μM each of dATP, dCTP and dGTP, 600 μM of dUTP, 100 nM each of forward primer, reverse primer, and probe, 20 Units RNAse inhibitor, 1.25 Units AMPLITAQ GOLD™, and 12.5 Units MuLV reverse transcriptase) to 96 well plates containing 25 μL total RNA solution. The RT reaction is carried out by incubation for 30 minutes at 48° C. Following a 10 minute incubation at 95° C. to activate the AMPLITAQ GOLD™, 40 cycles of a two-step PCR protocol are carried out: 95° C. for 15 seconds (denaturation) followed by 60° C. for 1.5 minutes (annealing/extension).

[0245] Gene target quantities obtained by real time RT-PCR can be normalized using either the expression level of GAPDH, a gene whose expression is constant, or by quantifying total RNA using RiboGreen™ (Molecular Probes, Inc. Eugene, Oreg.). GAPDH expression is quantified by real time RT-PCR, by being run simultaneously with the target, multiplexing, or separately. Total RNA is quantified using RiboGreen™ RNA quantification reagent from Molecular Probes (Eugene, Oreg.). Methods of RNA quantification by RiboGreen™ are taught in Jones, L. J., et al, Analytical Biochemistry, 1998, 265, 368-374.

[0246] In this assay, 175 μL of RiboGreen™ working reagent (RiboGreen™ reagent diluted 1:2865 in 10 mM Tris-HCl, 1 mM EDTA, pH 7.5) is pipetted into a 96-well plate containing 25 μL purified, cellular RNA. The plate is read in a CytoFluor 4000 (PE Applied Biosystems) with excitation at 480 nm and emission at 520 nm.

[0247] Probes and primers to human apolipoprotein(a) are designed to hybridize to a human apolipoprotein(a) sequence, using published sequence information (GenBank accession number NM_(—)005577, incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 3).

[0248] For human GAPDH the standard PCR primers are: forward primer: GAAGGTGAAGGTCGGAGTC (SEQ ID NO: 4) reverse primer: GAAGATGGTGATGGGATTTC (SEQ ID NO: 5) and the PCR probe is: 5′ JOE-CAAGCTTCCCGTTCTCAGCC-TAMRA 3′ (SEQ ID NO: 6) where JOE (PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) is the fluorescent reporter dye) and TAMRA (PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) is the quencher dye.

Example 14 Northern Blot Analysis of Apolipoprotein(a) mRNA Levels

[0249] Eighteen hours after antisense treatment, cell monolayers are washed twice with cold PBS and lysed in 1 mL RNAZOL™ (TEL-TEST “B” Inc., Friendswood, Tex.). Total RNA is prepared following manufacturer's recommended protocols. Twenty micrograms of total RNA is fractionated by electrophoresis through 1.2% agarose gels containing 1.1% formaldehyde using a MOPS buffer system (AMRESCO, Inc. Solon, Ohio). RNA is transferred from the gel to HYBOND™-N+ nylon membranes (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, N.J.) by overnight capillary transfer using a Northern/Southern Transfer buffer system (TEL-TEST “B” Inc., Friendswood, Tex.). RNA transfer is confirmed by UV visualization. Membranes are fixed by UV cross-linking using a STRATALINKER™ UV Crosslinker 2400 (Stratagene, Inc, La Jolla, Calif.) and then probed using QUICKHYB™ hybridization solution (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.) using manufacturer's recommendations for stringent conditions.

[0250] To detect human apolipoprotein(a), a human apolipoprotein(a) specific probe is prepared by PCR using a forward and a reverse primer. To normalize for variations in loading and transfer efficiency, membranes are stripped and probed for human glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) RNA (Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.).

[0251] Hybridized membranes are visualized and quantitated using a PHOSPHORIMAGER™ and IMAGEQUANT™ Software V3.3 (Molecular Dynamics, Sunnyvale, Calif.). Data are normalized to GAPDH levels in untreated controls.

Example 15 Chimeric Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides having 2′-MOE Wings and a Deoxy Gap Targeting Human Apolipoprotein(a)

[0252] In accordance with the present invention, a series of oligonucleotides were designed to target different regions of the human apolipoprotein(a) RNA, using published sequence (GenBank accession number NM_(—)005577, incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 3). The oligonucleotides are shown in Table 1. “Target site” indicates the first (5′-most) nucleotide number on the particular target sequence to which the oligonucleotide binds. All compounds in Table 1 are chimeric oligonucleotides (“gapmers”) 20 nucleotides in length, composed of a central “gap” region consisting of ten 2′-deoxynucleotides, which is flanked on both sides (5′ and 3′ directions) by five-nucleotide “wings”. The wings are composed of 2′-methoxyethyl (2′-MOE)nucleotides. The internucleoside (backbone) linkages are phosphorothioate (P═S) throughout the oligonucleotide. All cytidine residues are 5-methylcytidines. TABLE 1 Chimeric phosphorothioate oligonucleotides having 2′-MOE wings and a deoxy gap targeting human apolipoprotein (a) TARGET SEQ SEQ ID TARGET ID ISIS # REGION NO SITE SEQUENCE NO 144367 Coding 3 174 GGCAGGTCCTTCCTGTGACA 7 144368 Coding 3 352 TCTGCGTCTGAGCATTGCGT 8 144369 Coding 3 522 AAGCTTGGCAGGTTCTTCCT 9 144370 Coding 3 1743 TCGGAGGCGCGACGGCAGTC 10 144371 Coding 3 2768 CGGAGGCGCGACGGCAGTCC 11 144372 Coding 3 2910 GGCAGGTTCTTCCTGTGACA 12 144373 Coding 3 3371 ATAACAATAAGGAGCTGCCA 13 144374 Coding 3 4972 GACCAAGCTTGGCAGGTTCT 14 144375 Coding 3 5080 TAACAATAAGGAGCTGCCAC 15 144376 Coding 3 5315 TGACCAAGCTTGGCAGGTTC 16 144377 Coding 3 5825 TTCTGCGTCTGAGCATTGCG 17 144378 Coding 3 6447 AACAATAAGGAGCTGCCACA 18 144379 Coding 3 7155 ACCTGACACCGGGATCCCTC 19 144380 Coding 3 7185 CTGAGCATTGCGTCAGGTTG 20 144381 Coding 3 8463 AGTAGTTCATGATCAAGCCA 21 144382 Coding 3 8915 GACGGCAGTCCCTTCTGCGT 22 144383 Coding 3 9066 GGCAGGTTCTTCCAGTGACA 23 144384 Coding 3 10787 TGACCAAGCTTGGCAAGTTC 24 144385 Coding 3 11238 TATAACACCAAGGACTAATC 25 144386 Coding 3 11261 CCATCTGACATTGGGATCCA 26 144387 Coding 3 11461 TGTGGTGTCATAGAGGACCA 27 144388 Coding 3 11823 ATGGGATCCTCCGATGCCAA 28 144389 Coding 3 11894 ACACCAAGGGCGAATCTCAG 29 144390 Coding 3 11957 TTCTGTCACTGGACATCGTG 30 144391 Coding 3 12255 CACACGGATCGGTTGTGTAA 31 144392 Coding 3 12461 ACATGTCCTTCCTGTGACAG 32 144393 Coding 3 12699 CAGAAGGAGGCCCTAGGCTT 33 144394 Coding 3 13354 CTGGCGGTGACCATGTAGTC 34 144395 3′UTR 3 13711 TCTAAGTAGGTTGATGCTTC 35 144396 3′UTR 3 13731 TCCTTACCCACGTTTCAGCT 36 144397 3′UTR 3 13780 GGAACAGTGTCTTCGTTTGA 37 144398 3′UTR 3 13801 GTTTGGCATAGCTGGTAGCT 38 144399 3′UTR 3 13841 ACCTTAAAAGCTTATACACA 39 144400 3′UTR 3 13861 ATACAGAATTTGTCAGTCAG 40 144401 3′UTR 3 13881 GTCATAGCTATGACACCTTA 41

Example 16 Western Blot Analysis of Apolipoprotein(a) Protein Levels

[0253] Western blot analysis (immunoblot analysis) is carried out using standard methods. Cells are harvested 16-20 h after oligonucleotide treatment, washed once with PBS, suspended in Laemmli buffer (100 ul/well), boiled for 5 minutes and loaded on a 16% SDS-PAGE gel. Gels are run for 1.5 hours at 150 V, and transferred to membrane for western blotting. Appropriate primary antibody directed to apolipoprotein(a) is used, with a radiolabelled or fluorescently labeled secondary antibody directed against the primary antibody species. Bands are visualized using a PHOSPHORIMAGER™ (Molecular Dynamics, Sunnyvale Calif.).

1 41 1 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 1 tccgtcatcg ctcctcaggg 20 2 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 2 atgcattctg cccccaagga 20 3 13938 DNA Homo sapiens CDS (46)...(13692) 3 ctgggattgg gacacacttt ctggacactg ctggccagtc ccaaa atg gaa cat aag 57 Met Glu His Lys 1 gaa gtg gtt ctt cta ctt ctt tta ttt ctg aaa tca gca gca cct gag 105 Glu Val Val Leu Leu Leu Leu Leu Phe Leu Lys Ser Ala Ala Pro Glu 5 10 15 20 caa agc cat gtg gtc cag gat tgc tac cat ggt gat gga cag agt tat 153 Gln Ser His Val Val Gln Asp Cys Tyr His Gly Asp Gly Gln Ser Tyr 25 30 35 cga ggc acg tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga agg acc tgc caa gct tgg 201 Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp 40 45 50 tca tct atg aca cca cat caa cat aat agg acc aca gaa aac tac cca 249 Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Gln His Asn Arg Thr Thr Glu Asn Tyr Pro 55 60 65 aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca 297 Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala 70 75 80 gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc 345 Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys 85 90 95 100 aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg 393 Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro 105 110 115 act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg 441 Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro 120 125 130 act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag 489 Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln 135 140 145 agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa 537 Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln 150 155 160 gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac 585 Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr 165 170 175 180 tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct 633 Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala 185 190 195 gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag 681 Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu 200 205 210 tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg 729 Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala 215 220 225 cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa 777 Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln 230 235 240 gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat 825 Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn 245 250 255 260 gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc 873 Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr 265 270 275 tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca 921 Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro 280 285 290 gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca 969 Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro 295 300 305 gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg 1017 Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg 310 315 320 tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc 1065 Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala 325 330 335 340 gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc 1113 Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser 345 350 355 gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat 1161 Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His 360 365 370 ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga 1209 Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly 375 380 385 aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg 1257 Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg 390 395 400 acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg 1305 Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg 405 410 415 420 aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt 1353 Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly 425 430 435 gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg 1401 Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly 440 445 450 act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct 1449 Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala 455 460 465 cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc 1497 Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys 470 475 480 tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc 1545 Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val 485 490 495 500 aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat 1593 Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His 505 510 515 agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac 1641 Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr 520 525 530 tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat 1689 Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp 535 540 545 ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca 1737 Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala 550 555 560 gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta 1785 Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu 565 570 575 580 gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag 1833 Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln 585 590 595 gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc 1881 Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr 600 605 610 act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac 1929 Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His 615 620 625 tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg 1977 Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met 630 635 640 aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg 2025 Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr 645 650 655 660 agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca 2073 Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser 665 670 675 gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca 2121 Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro 680 685 690 agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg 2169 Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly 695 700 705 gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac 2217 Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr 710 715 720 tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca 2265 Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr 725 730 735 740 cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg 2313 Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu 745 750 755 atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt 2361 Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys 760 765 770 tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa 2409 Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln 775 780 785 tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg 2457 Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro 790 795 800 gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg 2505 Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg 805 810 815 820 cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc 2553 Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly 825 830 835 aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct 2601 Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser 840 845 850 atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct 2649 Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala 855 860 865 ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct 2697 Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro 870 875 880 tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg 2745 Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu 885 890 895 900 acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt 2793 Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val 905 910 915 acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag 2841 Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu 920 925 930 caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat 2889 Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr 935 940 945 cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg 2937 Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp 950 955 960 tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca 2985 Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro 965 970 975 980 aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca 3033 Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala 985 990 995 gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc 3081 Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys 1000 1005 1010 aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg 3129 Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro 1015 1020 1025 act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg 3177 Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro 1030 1035 1040 act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag 3225 Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln 1045 1050 1055 1060 agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa 3273 Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln 1065 1070 1075 gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac 3321 Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr 1080 1085 1090 tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct 3369 Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala 1095 1100 1105 gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag 3417 Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu 1110 1115 1120 tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg 3465 Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala 1125 1130 1135 1140 cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa 3513 Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln 1145 1150 1155 gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat 3561 Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn 1160 1165 1170 gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc 3609 Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr 1175 1180 1185 tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca 3657 Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro 1190 1195 1200 gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca 3705 Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro 1205 1210 1215 1220 gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg 3753 Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg 1225 1230 1235 tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc 3801 Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala 1240 1245 1250 gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc 3849 Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser 1255 1260 1265 gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat 3897 Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His 1270 1275 1280 ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga 3945 Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly 1285 1290 1295 1300 aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg 3993 Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg 1305 1310 1315 acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg 4041 Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg 1320 1325 1330 aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt 4089 Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly 1335 1340 1345 gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg 4137 Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly 1350 1355 1360 act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct 4185 Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala 1365 1370 1375 1380 cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc 4233 Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys 1385 1390 1395 tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc 4281 Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val 1400 1405 1410 aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat 4329 Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His 1415 1420 1425 agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac 4377 Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr 1430 1435 1440 tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat 4425 Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp 1445 1450 1455 1460 ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca 4473 Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala 1465 1470 1475 gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta 4521 Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu 1480 1485 1490 gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag 4569 Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln 1495 1500 1505 gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc 4617 Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr 1510 1515 1520 act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac 4665 Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His 1525 1530 1535 1540 tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg 4713 Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met 1545 1550 1555 aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg 4761 Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr 1560 1565 1570 agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca 4809 Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser 1575 1580 1585 gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca 4857 Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro 1590 1595 1600 agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg 4905 Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly 1605 1610 1615 1620 gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac 4953 Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr 1625 1630 1635 tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca 5001 Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr 1640 1645 1650 cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg 5049 Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu 1655 1660 1665 atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt 5097 Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys 1670 1675 1680 tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa 5145 Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln 1685 1690 1695 1700 tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg 5193 Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro 1705 1710 1715 gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg 5241 Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg 1720 1725 1730 cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc 5289 Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly 1735 1740 1745 aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct 5337 Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser 1750 1755 1760 atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct 5385 Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala 1765 1770 1775 1780 ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct 5433 Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro 1785 1790 1795 tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg 5481 Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu 1800 1805 1810 acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt 5529 Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val 1815 1820 1825 acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag 5577 Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu 1830 1835 1840 caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat 5625 Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr 1845 1850 1855 1860 cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg 5673 Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp 1865 1870 1875 tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca 5721 Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro 1880 1885 1890 aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca 5769 Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala 1895 1900 1905 gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc 5817 Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys 1910 1915 1920 aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg 5865 Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro 1925 1930 1935 1940 act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg 5913 Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro 1945 1950 1955 act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag 5961 Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln 1960 1965 1970 agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa 6009 Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln 1975 1980 1985 gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac 6057 Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr 1990 1995 2000 tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct 6105 Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala 2005 2010 2015 2020 gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag 6153 Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu 2025 2030 2035 tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg 6201 Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala 2040 2045 2050 cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa 6249 Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln 2055 2060 2065 gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat 6297 Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn 2070 2075 2080 gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc 6345 Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr 2085 2090 2095 2100 tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca 6393 Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro 2105 2110 2115 gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca 6441 Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro 2120 2125 2130 gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg 6489 Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg 2135 2140 2145 tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc 6537 Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala 2150 2155 2160 gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc 6585 Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser 2165 2170 2175 2180 gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat 6633 Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His 2185 2190 2195 ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga 6681 Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly 2200 2205 2210 aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg 6729 Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg 2215 2220 2225 acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg 6777 Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg 2230 2235 2240 aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt 6825 Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly 2245 2250 2255 2260 gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg 6873 Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly 2265 2270 2275 act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct 6921 Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala 2280 2285 2290 cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc 6969 Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys 2295 2300 2305 tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc 7017 Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val 2310 2315 2320 aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat 7065 Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His 2325 2330 2335 2340 agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac 7113 Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr 2345 2350 2355 tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat 7161 Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp 2360 2365 2370 ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca 7209 Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala 2375 2380 2385 gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta 7257 Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu 2390 2395 2400 gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag 7305 Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln 2405 2410 2415 2420 gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc 7353 Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr 2425 2430 2435 act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac 7401 Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His 2440 2445 2450 tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg 7449 Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met 2455 2460 2465 aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg 7497 Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr 2470 2475 2480 agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca 7545 Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser 2485 2490 2495 2500 gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca 7593 Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro 2505 2510 2515 agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag caa agg cct ggg 7641 Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly 2520 2525 2530 gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac 7689 Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr 2535 2540 2545 tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca 7737 Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr 2550 2555 2560 cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg 7785 Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu 2565 2570 2575 2580 atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt 7833 Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys 2585 2590 2595 tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa 7881 Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln 2600 2605 2610 tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg 7929 Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro 2615 2620 2625 gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag cag agg 7977 Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg 2630 2635 2640 cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cac ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc 8025 Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly 2645 2650 2655 2660 aca tac tcc acc act gtc act gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct 8073 Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser 2665 2670 2675 atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct 8121 Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala 2680 2685 2690 ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct 8169 Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro 2695 2700 2705 tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg 8217 Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu 2710 2715 2720 acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt 8265 Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val 2725 2730 2735 2740 acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag 8313 Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu 2745 2750 2755 caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag agt tat 8361 Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr 2760 2765 2770 cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg 8409 Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp 2775 2780 2785 tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca 8457 Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro 2790 2795 2800 aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca 8505 Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala 2805 2810 2815 2820 gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc 8553 Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys 2825 2830 2835 aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg 8601 Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro 2840 2845 2850 act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg 8649 Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro 2855 2860 2865 act gag caa agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cat ggt aat gga cag 8697 Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln 2870 2875 2880 agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa 8745 Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln 2885 2890 2895 2900 gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac 8793 Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr 2905 2910 2915 tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct 8841 Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala 2920 2925 2930 gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag 8889 Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu 2935 2940 2945 tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg 8937 Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala 2950 2955 2960 cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc gaa caa 8985 Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln 2965 2970 2975 2980 gca ccg act gag cag agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cac ggt aat 9033 Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn 2985 2990 2995 gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc act gga aga acc 9081 Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr 3000 3005 3010 tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca 9129 Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro 3015 3020 3025 gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca 9177 Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro 3030 3035 3040 gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt gtc agg 9225 Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly Val Arg 3045 3050 3055 3060 tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg act gcc 9273 Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala 3065 3070 3075 gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct cct tcc 9321 Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser 3080 3085 3090 gaa caa gca ccg act gag cag agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc tac cac 9369 Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His 3095 3100 3105 ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc act gga 9417 Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly 3110 3115 3120 aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat agt cgg 9465 Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His Ser Arg 3125 3130 3135 3140 acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac tgc agg 9513 Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg 3145 3150 3155 aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat ccc ggt 9561 Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp Pro Gly 3160 3165 3170 gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca gaa ggg 9609 Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Gly 3175 3180 3185 act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta gag gct 9657 Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala 3190 3195 3200 cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag cag agg cct ggg gtg cag gag tgc 9705 Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln Glu Cys 3205 3210 3215 3220 tac cac ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc act gtc 9753 Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val 3225 3230 3235 act gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac tcg cat 9801 Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Ser His 3240 3245 3250 agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg aac tac 9849 Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met Asn Tyr 3255 3260 3265 tgc agg aat cca gat gct gtg gca gct cct tat tgt tat acg agg gat 9897 Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr Arg Asp 3270 3275 3280 ccc ggt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgc tca gac gca 9945 Pro Gly Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser Asp Ala 3285 3290 3295 3300 gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct ccg act gtt acc ccg gtt cca agc cta 9993 Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Val Thr Pro Val Pro Ser Leu 3305 3310 3315 gag gct cct tcc gaa caa gca ccg act gag cag agg cct ggg gtg cag 10041 Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly Val Gln 3320 3325 3330 gag tgc tac cac ggt aat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca tac tcc acc 10089 Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Tyr Ser Thr 3335 3340 3345 act gtc act gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca cca cac 10137 Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His 3350 3355 3360 tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gaa tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg atc atg 10185 Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu Ile Met 3365 3370 3375 3380 aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat cct gtg gca gcc cct tat tgt tat acg 10233 Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Pro Val Ala Ala Pro Tyr Cys Tyr Thr 3385 3390 3395 agg gat ccc agt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg aca caa tgc tca 10281 Arg Asp Pro Ser Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Ser 3400 3405 3410 gac gca gaa ggg act gcc gtc gcg cct cca act att acc ccg att cca 10329 Asp Ala Glu Gly Thr Ala Val Ala Pro Pro Thr Ile Thr Pro Ile Pro 3415 3420 3425 agc cta gag gct cct tct gaa caa gca cca act gag caa agg cct ggg 10377 Ser Leu Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Arg Pro Gly 3430 3435 3440 gtg cag gag tgc tac cac gga aat gga cag agt tat caa ggc aca tac 10425 Val Gln Glu Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr Gln Gly Thr Tyr 3445 3450 3455 3460 ttc att act gtc aca gga aga acc tgc caa gct tgg tca tct atg aca 10473 Phe Ile Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser Met Thr 3465 3470 3475 cca cac tcg cat agt cgg acc cca gca tac tac cca aat gct ggc ttg 10521 Pro His Ser His Ser Arg Thr Pro Ala Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu 3480 3485 3490 atc aag aac tac tgc cga aat cca gat cct gtg gca gcc cct tgg tgt 10569 Ile Lys Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Pro Val Ala Ala Pro Trp Cys 3495 3500 3505 tat aca aca gat ccc agt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg aca cga 10617 Tyr Thr Thr Asp Pro Ser Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Arg 3510 3515 3520 tgc tca gat gca gaa tgg act gcc ttc gtc cct ccg aat gtt att ctg 10665 Cys Ser Asp Ala Glu Trp Thr Ala Phe Val Pro Pro Asn Val Ile Leu 3525 3530 3535 3540 gct cca agc cta gag gct ttt ttt gaa caa gca ctg act gag gaa acc 10713 Ala Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Phe Phe Glu Gln Ala Leu Thr Glu Glu Thr 3545 3550 3555 ccc ggg gta cag gac tgc tac tac cat tat gga cag agt tac cga ggc 10761 Pro Gly Val Gln Asp Cys Tyr Tyr His Tyr Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly 3560 3565 3570 aca tac tcc acc act gtc aca gga aga act tgc caa gct tgg tca tct 10809 Thr Tyr Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ala Trp Ser Ser 3575 3580 3585 atg aca cca cac cag cat agt cgg acc cca gaa aac tac cca aat gct 10857 Met Thr Pro His Gln His Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Asn Tyr Pro Asn Ala 3590 3595 3600 ggc ctg acc agg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gag att cgc cct 10905 Gly Leu Thr Arg Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Glu Ile Arg Pro 3605 3610 3615 3620 tgg tgt tac acc atg gat ccc agt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg 10953 Trp Cys Tyr Thr Met Asp Pro Ser Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu 3625 3630 3635 aca caa tgc ctg gtg aca gaa tca agt gtc ctt gca act ctc acg gtg 11001 Thr Gln Cys Leu Val Thr Glu Ser Ser Val Leu Ala Thr Leu Thr Val 3640 3645 3650 gtc cca gat cca agc aca gag gct tct tct gaa gaa gca cca acg gag 11049 Val Pro Asp Pro Ser Thr Glu Ala Ser Ser Glu Glu Ala Pro Thr Glu 3655 3660 3665 caa agc ccc ggg gtc cag gat tgc tac cat ggt gat gga cag agt tat 11097 Gln Ser Pro Gly Val Gln Asp Cys Tyr His Gly Asp Gly Gln Ser Tyr 3670 3675 3680 cga ggc tca ttc tct acc act gtc aca gga agg aca tgt cag tct tgg 11145 Arg Gly Ser Phe Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ser Trp 3685 3690 3695 3700 tcc tct atg aca cca cac tgg cat cag agg aca aca gaa tat tat cca 11193 Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Trp His Gln Arg Thr Thr Glu Tyr Tyr Pro 3705 3710 3715 aat ggt ggc ctg acc agg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gag att 11241 Asn Gly Gly Leu Thr Arg Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Glu Ile 3720 3725 3730 agt cct tgg tgt tat acc atg gat ccc aat gtc aga tgg gag tac tgc 11289 Ser Pro Trp Cys Tyr Thr Met Asp Pro Asn Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys 3735 3740 3745 aac ctg aca caa tgt cca gtg aca gaa tca agt gtc ctt gcg acg tcc 11337 Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Pro Val Thr Glu Ser Ser Val Leu Ala Thr Ser 3750 3755 3760 acg gct gtt tct gaa caa gca cca acg gag caa agc ccc aca gtc cag 11385 Thr Ala Val Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Thr Glu Gln Ser Pro Thr Val Gln 3765 3770 3775 3780 gac tgc tac cat ggt gat gga cag agt tat cga ggc tca ttc tcc acc 11433 Asp Cys Tyr His Gly Asp Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Ser Phe Ser Thr 3785 3790 3795 act gtt aca gga agg aca tgt cag tct tgg tcc tct atg aca cca cac 11481 Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ser Trp Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His 3800 3805 3810 tgg cat cag aga acc aca gaa tac tac cca aat ggt ggc ctg acc agg 11529 Trp His Gln Arg Thr Thr Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Gly Gly Leu Thr Arg 3815 3820 3825 aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gag att cgc cct tgg tgt tat acc 11577 Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Glu Ile Arg Pro Trp Cys Tyr Thr 3830 3835 3840 atg gat ccc agt gtc aga tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg acg caa tgt cca 11625 Met Asp Pro Ser Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Gln Cys Pro 3845 3850 3855 3860 gtg atg gaa tca act ctc ctc aca act ccc acg gtg gtc cca gtt cca 11673 Val Met Glu Ser Thr Leu Leu Thr Thr Pro Thr Val Val Pro Val Pro 3865 3870 3875 agc aca gag ctt cct tct gaa gaa gca cca act gaa aac agc act ggg 11721 Ser Thr Glu Leu Pro Ser Glu Glu Ala Pro Thr Glu Asn Ser Thr Gly 3880 3885 3890 gtc cag gac tgc tac cga ggt gat gga cag agt tat cga ggc aca ctc 11769 Val Gln Asp Cys Tyr Arg Gly Asp Gly Gln Ser Tyr Arg Gly Thr Leu 3895 3900 3905 tcc acc act atc aca gga aga aca tgt cag tct tgg tcg tct atg aca 11817 Ser Thr Thr Ile Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ser Trp Ser Ser Met Thr 3910 3915 3920 cca cat tgg cat cgg agg atc cca tta tac tat cca aat gct ggc ctg 11865 Pro His Trp His Arg Arg Ile Pro Leu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ala Gly Leu 3925 3930 3935 3940 acc agg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gct gag att cgc cct tgg tgt 11913 Thr Arg Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Glu Ile Arg Pro Trp Cys 3945 3950 3955 tac acc atg gat ccc agt gtc agg tgg gag tac tgc aac ctg aca cga 11961 Tyr Thr Met Asp Pro Ser Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu Thr Arg 3960 3965 3970 tgt cca gtg aca gaa tcg agt gtc ctc aca act ccc aca gtg gcc ccg 12009 Cys Pro Val Thr Glu Ser Ser Val Leu Thr Thr Pro Thr Val Ala Pro 3975 3980 3985 gtt cca agc aca gag gct cct tct gaa caa gca cca cct gag aaa agc 12057 Val Pro Ser Thr Glu Ala Pro Ser Glu Gln Ala Pro Pro Glu Lys Ser 3990 3995 4000 cct gtg gtc cag gat tgc tac cat ggt gat gga cgg agt tat cga ggc 12105 Pro Val Val Gln Asp Cys Tyr His Gly Asp Gly Arg Ser Tyr Arg Gly 4005 4010 4015 4020 ata tcc tcc acc act gtc aca gga agg acc tgt caa tct tgg tca tct 12153 Ile Ser Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ser Trp Ser Ser 4025 4030 4035 atg ata cca cac tgg cat cag agg acc cca gaa aac tac cca aat gct 12201 Met Ile Pro His Trp His Gln Arg Thr Pro Glu Asn Tyr Pro Asn Ala 4040 4045 4050 ggc ctg acc gag aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat tct ggg aaa caa ccc 12249 Gly Leu Thr Glu Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ser Gly Lys Gln Pro 4055 4060 4065 tgg tgt tac aca acc gat ccg tgt gtg agg tgg gag tac tgc aat ctg 12297 Trp Cys Tyr Thr Thr Asp Pro Cys Val Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys Asn Leu 4070 4075 4080 aca caa tgc tca gaa aca gaa tca ggt gtc cta gag act ccc act gtt 12345 Thr Gln Cys Ser Glu Thr Glu Ser Gly Val Leu Glu Thr Pro Thr Val 4085 4090 4095 4100 gtt cca gtt cca agc atg gag gct cat tct gaa gca gca cca act gag 12393 Val Pro Val Pro Ser Met Glu Ala His Ser Glu Ala Ala Pro Thr Glu 4105 4110 4115 caa acc cct gtg gtc cgg cag tgc tac cat ggt aat ggc cag agt tat 12441 Gln Thr Pro Val Val Arg Gln Cys Tyr His Gly Asn Gly Gln Ser Tyr 4120 4125 4130 cga ggc aca ttc tcc acc act gtc aca gga agg aca tgt caa tct tgg 12489 Arg Gly Thr Phe Ser Thr Thr Val Thr Gly Arg Thr Cys Gln Ser Trp 4135 4140 4145 tca tcc atg aca cca cac cgg cat cag agg acc cca gaa aac tac cca 12537 Ser Ser Met Thr Pro His Arg His Gln Arg Thr Pro Glu Asn Tyr Pro 4150 4155 4160 aat gat ggc ctg aca atg aac tac tgc agg aat cca gat gcc gat aca 12585 Asn Asp Gly Leu Thr Met Asn Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Ala Asp Thr 4165 4170 4175 4180 ggc cct tgg tgt ttt acc atg gac ccc agc atc agg tgg gag tac tgc 12633 Gly Pro Trp Cys Phe Thr Met Asp Pro Ser Ile Arg Trp Glu Tyr Cys 4185 4190 4195 aac ctg acg cga tgc tca gac aca gaa ggg act gtg gtc gct cct ccg 12681 Asn Leu Thr Arg Cys Ser Asp Thr Glu Gly Thr Val Val Ala Pro Pro 4200 4205 4210 act gtc atc cag gtt cca agc cta ggg cct cct tct gaa caa gac tgt 12729 Thr Val Ile Gln Val Pro Ser Leu Gly Pro Pro Ser Glu Gln Asp Cys 4215 4220 4225 atg ttt ggg aat ggg aaa gga tac cgg ggc aag aag gca acc act gtt 12777 Met Phe Gly Asn Gly Lys Gly Tyr Arg Gly Lys Lys Ala Thr Thr Val 4230 4235 4240 act ggg acg cca tgc cag gaa tgg gct gcc cag gag ccc cat aga cac 12825 Thr Gly Thr Pro Cys Gln Glu Trp Ala Ala Gln Glu Pro His Arg His 4245 4250 4255 4260 agc acg ttc att cca ggg aca aat aaa tgg gca ggt ctg gaa aaa aat 12873 Ser Thr Phe Ile Pro Gly Thr Asn Lys Trp Ala Gly Leu Glu Lys Asn 4265 4270 4275 tac tgc cgt aac cct gat ggt gac atc aat ggt ccc tgg tgc tac aca 12921 Tyr Cys Arg Asn Pro Asp Gly Asp Ile Asn Gly Pro Trp Cys Tyr Thr 4280 4285 4290 atg aat cca aga aaa ctt ttt gac tac tgt gat atc cct ctc tgt gca 12969 Met Asn Pro Arg Lys Leu Phe Asp Tyr Cys Asp Ile Pro Leu Cys Ala 4295 4300 4305 tcc tct tca ttt gat tgt ggg aag cct caa gtg gag ccg aag aaa tgt 13017 Ser Ser Ser Phe Asp Cys Gly Lys Pro Gln Val Glu Pro Lys Lys Cys 4310 4315 4320 cct gga agc att gta ggg ggg tgt gtg gcc cac cca cat tcc tgg ccc 13065 Pro Gly Ser Ile Val Gly Gly Cys Val Ala His Pro His Ser Trp Pro 4325 4330 4335 4340 tgg caa gtc agt ctc aga aca agg ttt gga aag cac ttc tgt gga ggc 13113 Trp Gln Val Ser Leu Arg Thr Arg Phe Gly Lys His Phe Cys Gly Gly 4345 4350 4355 acc tta ata tcc cca gag tgg gtg ctg act gct gct cac tgc ttg aag 13161 Thr Leu Ile Ser Pro Glu Trp Val Leu Thr Ala Ala His Cys Leu Lys 4360 4365 4370 aag tcc tca agg cct tca tcc tac aag gtc atc ctg ggt gca cac caa 13209 Lys Ser Ser Arg Pro Ser Ser Tyr Lys Val Ile Leu Gly Ala His Gln 4375 4380 4385 gaa gtg aac ctc gaa tct cat gtt cag gaa ata gaa gtg tct agg ctg 13257 Glu Val Asn Leu Glu Ser His Val Gln Glu Ile Glu Val Ser Arg Leu 4390 4395 4400 ttc ttg gag ccc aca caa gca gat att gcc ttg cta aag cta agc agg 13305 Phe Leu Glu Pro Thr Gln Ala Asp Ile Ala Leu Leu Lys Leu Ser Arg 4405 4410 4415 4420 cct gcc gtc atc act gac aaa gta atg cca gct tgt ctg cca tcc cca 13353 Pro Ala Val Ile Thr Asp Lys Val Met Pro Ala Cys Leu Pro Ser Pro 4425 4430 4435 gac tac atg gtc acc gcc agg act gaa tgt tac atc act ggc tgg gga 13401 Asp Tyr Met Val Thr Ala Arg Thr Glu Cys Tyr Ile Thr Gly Trp Gly 4440 4445 4450 gaa acc caa ggt acc ttt ggg act ggc ctt ctc aag gaa gcc cag ctc 13449 Glu Thr Gln Gly Thr Phe Gly Thr Gly Leu Leu Lys Glu Ala Gln Leu 4455 4460 4465 ctt gtt att gag aat gaa gtg tgc aat cac tat aag tat att tgt gct 13497 Leu Val Ile Glu Asn Glu Val Cys Asn His Tyr Lys Tyr Ile Cys Ala 4470 4475 4480 gag cat ttg gcc aga ggc act gac agt tgc cag ggt gac agt gga ggg 13545 Glu His Leu Ala Arg Gly Thr Asp Ser Cys Gln Gly Asp Ser Gly Gly 4485 4490 4495 4500 cct ctg gtt tgc ttc gag aag gac aaa tac att tta caa gga gtc act 13593 Pro Leu Val Cys Phe Glu Lys Asp Lys Tyr Ile Leu Gln Gly Val Thr 4505 4510 4515 tct tgg ggt ctt ggc tgt gca cgc ccc aat aag cct ggt gtc tat gct 13641 Ser Trp Gly Leu Gly Cys Ala Arg Pro Asn Lys Pro Gly Val Tyr Ala 4520 4525 4530 cgt gtt tca agg ttt gtt act tgg att gag gga atg atg aga aat aat 13689 Arg Val Ser Arg Phe Val Thr Trp Ile Glu Gly Met Met Arg Asn Asn 4535 4540 4545 taa ttggacggga gacagagtga agcatcaacc tacttagaag ctgaaacgtg 13742 ggtaaggatt tagcatgctg gaaataatag acagcaatca aacgaagaca ctgttcccag 13802 ctaccagcta tgccaaacct tggcattttt ggtatttttg tgtataagct tttaaggtct 13862 gactgacaaa ttctgtatta aggtgtcata gctatgacat ttgttaaaaa taaactctgc 13922 acttattttg atttga 13938 4 19 DNA Artificial Sequence PCR Primer 4 gaaggtgaag gtcggagtc 19 5 20 DNA Artificial Sequence PCR Primer 5 gaagatggtg atgggatttc 20 6 20 DNA Artificial Sequence PCR Probe 6 caagcttccc gttctcagcc 20 7 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 7 ggcaggtcct tcctgtgaca 20 8 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 8 tctgcgtctg agcattgcgt 20 9 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 9 aagcttggca ggttcttcct 20 10 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 10 tcggaggcgc gacggcagtc 20 11 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 11 cggaggcgcg acggcagtcc 20 12 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 12 ggcaggttct tcctgtgaca 20 13 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 13 ataacaataa ggagctgcca 20 14 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 14 gaccaagctt ggcaggttct 20 15 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 15 taacaataag gagctgccac 20 16 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 16 tgaccaagct tggcaggttc 20 17 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 17 ttctgcgtct gagcattgcg 20 18 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 18 aacaataagg agctgccaca 20 19 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 19 acctgacacc gggatccctc 20 20 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 20 ctgagcattg cgtcaggttg 20 21 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 21 agtagttcat gatcaagcca 20 22 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 22 gacggcagtc ccttctgcgt 20 23 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 23 ggcaggttct tccagtgaca 20 24 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 24 tgaccaagct tggcaagttc 20 25 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 25 tataacacca aggactaatc 20 26 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 26 ccatctgaca ttgggatcca 20 27 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 27 tgtggtgtca tagaggacca 20 28 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 28 atgggatcct ccgatgccaa 20 29 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 29 acaccaaggg cgaatctcag 20 30 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 30 ttctgtcact ggacatcgtg 20 31 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 31 cacacggatc ggttgtgtaa 20 32 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 32 acatgtcctt cctgtgacag 20 33 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 33 cagaaggagg ccctaggctt 20 34 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 34 ctggcggtga ccatgtagtc 20 35 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 35 tctaagtagg ttgatgcttc 20 36 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 36 tccttaccca cgtttcagct 20 37 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 37 ggaacagtgt cttcgtttga 20 38 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 38 gtttggcata gctggtagct 20 39 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 39 accttaaaag cttatacaca 20 40 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 40 atacagaatt tgtcagtcag 20 41 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Antisense Oligonucleotide 41 gtcatagcta tgacacctta 20 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound 8 to 50 nucleobases in length targeted to a nucleic acid molecule encoding human apolipoprotein(a), wherein said compound specifically hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule encoding human apolipoprotein(a) and inhibits the expression of human apolipoprotein(a).
 2. The compound of claim 1 which is an antisense oligonucleotide.
 3. The compound of claim 2 wherein the antisense oligonucleotide has a sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 or
 41. 4. The compound of claim 2 wherein the antisense oligonucleotide comprises at least one modified internucleoside linkage.
 5. The compound of claim 4 wherein the modified internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage.
 6. The compound of claim 2 wherein the antisense oligonucleotide comprises at least one modified sugar moiety.
 7. The compound of claim 6 wherein the modified sugar moiety is a 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar moiety.
 8. The compound of claim 2 wherein the antisense oligonucleotide comprises at least one modified nucleobase.
 9. The compound of claim 8 wherein the modified nucleobase is a 5-methylcytosine.
 10. The compound of claim 2 wherein the antisense oligonucleotide is a chimeric oligonucleotide.
 11. A compound 8 to 50 nucleobases in length which specifically hybridizes with at least an 8-nucleobase portion of an active site on a nucleic acid molecule encoding human apolipoprotein(a).
 12. A composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 13. The composition of claim 12 further comprising a colloidal dispersion system.
 14. The composition of claim 12 wherein the compound is an antisense oligonucleotide.
 15. A method of inhibiting the expression of human apolipoprotein(a) in cells or tissues comprising contacting said cells or tissues with the compound of claim 1 so that expression of human apolipoprotein(a) is inhibited.
 16. A method of treating a human having a disease or condition associated with human apolipoprotein(a) comprising administering to said human a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of the compound of claim 1 so that expression of human apolipoprotein(a) is inhibited.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the condition involves abnormal lipid metabolism.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the condition involves abnormal cholesterol metabolism.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the condition is atherosclerosis.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the disease is cardiovascular disease. 